In a significant move, the United States has officially rejected amendments adopted in 2024 to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) legally binding International Health Regulations (IHR), aimed at strengthening global pandemic preparedness.
The amendments, which were agreed upon by WHO member states last year, sought to introduce a new classification for “pandemic emergencies” and expand the WHO’s authority during international health crises. These changes were designed in response to criticisms of the fragmented global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a joint statement issued on Friday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the US said it had formally notified the WHO of its rejection of the amendments.
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“Developed without adequate public input, these amendments expand the role of the WHO in public health emergencies, create additional authorities for shaping pandemic declarations, and promote WHO’s ability to facilitate ‘equitable access’ to health commodities,” the statement read.
The US raised concerns over the use of what it described as “vague and broad” language in the amendments, arguing that it could lead to politicised responses rather than rapid and effective public health action.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time critic of vaccine safety policies, has previously criticised the WHO’s handling of the pandemic. In a video address to the World Health Assembly earlier this year, Kennedy claimed the organisation had failed to learn key lessons from COVID-19.
The US exit from these amendments also signals a departure from a broader international agreement—adopted in May 2025 after three years of negotiation—designed to ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics in future pandemics. The agreement requires participating manufacturers to reserve 20% of these resources for global distribution through the WHO.
The US was not a party to the pandemic pact, having exited WHO negotiations after President Donald Trump reinitiated a 12-month withdrawal process upon taking office in January. Although both the IHR amendments and the pandemic pact include provisions affirming national sovereignty, Kennedy and Rubio insisted the rejection was necessary to preserve U.S. control over its health policy.
