What it is Pandemic Emergency?
The amended International Health Regulations (IHR) entered into force, bringing in a new legal category pandemic emergency.
- A pandemic emergency is a newly defined sub-category under IHR that applies to public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) but with a heightened threshold when a communicable disease has broad geographic spread, strains health systems, causes major social and economic disruption, and requires rapid, coordinated global action.
- Pandemic emergency is a higher tier beyond PHEIC, but built on top of it the event must already meet PHEIC criteria.
- It Requires wide geographic spread, health system overload, socioeconomic disruption, and need for whole-of-society/whole-of-government response.
- It Emphasis on fairness in access to medical products, financing support, and collaborative global response.
- The amendments clarify that WHO cannot mandate domestic policies (lockdowns, etc.) — countries retain legislative control.
- It does not replace PHEIC but enriches it; avoids duplicative procedures by integrating decision-making.
2024 Amendments:
- Adopted by consensus at the 77th World Health Assembly through Resolution WHA77.17 in June 2024.
- Entry into force was set for 19 September 2025 for States Parties that accept the amendments.
- The Director-General (DG) of WHO may decide if a PHEIC amounts to a pandemic emergency (via Article 12).
- National IHR Authorities must be designated in each country to coordinate implementation across ministries.
- Introduction of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to assist developing nations in pandemic preparedness.
- Establishment of a States Parties Committee to facilitate implementation.
