The 77th World Health Assembly, the annual meeting of 194 member countries, has agreed a package of critical amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
It aims to ensure comprehensive, robust systems are in place in all countries to protect the health and safety of all people from the risk of future outbreaks and pandemics.
The new amendments to the IHR include:
Introducing a definition of a pandemic emergency,
A commitment to solidarity and equity on strengthening access to medical products and financing,
Establishment of the States Parties Committee to facilitate the effective implementation of the amended Regulations,