Context: The amended International Health Regulations (IHR) came into effect in September 2025, introducing a new legal category — Pandemic Emergency. These amendments were adopted by consensus at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024 through Resolution WHA77.17.
What is a Pandemic Emergency?
A pandemic emergency is a newly defined sub-category of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It applies when a communicable disease:
- Spreads widely across regions and countries,
- Overloads health systems,
- Causes significant social and economic disruption, and
- Requires rapid, coordinated international action.
Thus, it represents a higher threshold built upon the PHEIC framework.
Key Amendments under IHR (2024):
- Decision-making: WHO Director-General can determine if a PHEIC amounts to a pandemic emergency (Article 12).
- National IHR Authorities: Every country must designate an authority to coordinate across ministries.
- Financial Mechanism: A global financing facility is introduced to support developing countries in pandemic preparedness.
- States Parties Committee: A non-punitive oversight body to assist and guide implementation.
Features of Pandemic Emergency:
- Tiered Alert System: Pandemic emergency is a higher tier beyond PHEIC.
- Broader Triggers: Based on health overload, socioeconomic disruption, and whole-of-society response needs.
- Equity & Solidarity: Focus on fair access to vaccines, medicines, and financial support.
- Respect for Sovereignty: WHO cannot impose domestic measures such as lockdowns; national governments retain control.
- Integration: Enriches the PHEIC mechanism, avoiding duplication of procedures.
Significance:
- Legal Certainty: Establishes clear criteria for when a global pandemic can be declared.
- Faster Response: Enables quicker mobilization of international resources and expertise.
- Equity in Support: Developing nations gain access to dedicated financial and technical assistance.
- Global Coordination: Reinforces international cooperation while respecting state sovereignty.
Conclusion
The creation of a pandemic emergency category strengthens global health governance by bridging the gap between national sovereignty and international solidarity. It ensures clarity, faster response, and fairer distribution of resources, making the world better prepared for future health crises.