The 77th annual World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting recently concluded with an agreement on a crucial set of amendments to the IHR, 2005. 

• Also, decided to extend the mandate of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (established in 2021) to finish its work to negotiate a Pandemic Agreement within a year. 

About IHR 

• Successor of the International Sanitary Regulations (1951).
• Aim: An overarching legally binding framework that defines countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health events and emergencies that have the potential to cross borders.
• Members: Comprises all 194 WHO Member States plus Liechtenstein and the Holy See.
• Need of Amendments: Experience of epidemics and pandemics, from Ebola to COVID-19, highlighted the need of better public health surveillance, response and preparedness mechanisms around the world

Key Amendments 

• Defining the Pandemic emergency as a communicable disease that has a "wide geographical spread" or a high risk of one, and has exceeded or can exceed the ability of national health systems to respond.
• Establishing a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to address the needs and priorities of developing countries. 
• Establish a States Parties Committee for effective IHR implementation. 
• Create National IHR Authorities to improve coordination among countries.