Table 1 Key amendments to the IHR (2005)

Article 1

Definitions, including health products

Expanded definitions to include therapeutics, diagnostics, and other health technologies.

Clarifies the scope of health products to adapt to modern health needs.

Article 4

Responsible authorities for implementing health measures

Establishment of National IHR Authorities to improve coordination.

Improves implementation and monitoring of IHR provisions within and among countries.

Article 5

Surveillance requirements for public health events

Strengthened surveillance with support for developing countries; periodic reviews.

Enhances global surveillance capabilities for rapid detection and response.

Article 6

Notification of public health events to WHO IHR focal point

Improved communication systems for timely notifications with enhanced specificity in the types of events that must be notified and the timeline for notification.

Improves the timelines and detail in the reporting of potential public health emergencies to WHO and facilitates quicker communication of health threats and the response to them.

Article 9

Other reports

Expanded to include non-state actors and private sector reports of public health risks.

Broadens the scope of surveillance and data collection, incorporating reports from various sources beyond national governments.

Article 12

Determination of a public health emergency of international concern

Introduced a definition of a “pandemic emergency” to trigger more effective international collaboration.

Enhances the global response to pandemics by setting clear criteria for action.

Article 13

Public health response capacities

WHO provides guidelines and support for capacity development, including logistics and operational support. States must respond effectively.

Enhances capacities and capabilities for readiness and coordination in health emergencies among states.

Article 16

Standing recommendations for health measures

WHO may issue recommendations for ongoing health measures.

Ensures consistent health measures for ongoing risks and threats.

Article 17

Criteria for recommendations

Clarified processes for issuing temporary recommendations and the criteria for their issuance.

Provides clearer guidance on how and when WHO issues temporary recommendations, enhancing transparency and compliance.

Article 18

Recommendations at points-of-entry

Revised to include measures related to new types of threats, such as antimicrobial resistance and new pathogens.

Updates health security measures at borders to adapt to evolving health threats, ensuring better containment of diseases.

Article 44

Collaboration and assistance

Increased obligations for collaboration and financial support during public health emergencies.

Ensuring more effective deployment of international resources during crises.

Article 55

Procedures for proposing amendments

Streamlined amendment proposal process to ensure timely updates.

Improves the adaptability of the IHR to future challenges with timely amendments.

New Article

Introduction of a definition and procedures for “pandemic emergencies” to trigger specific response mechanisms.

Enhances global response capabilities by providing clear criteria for declaring and managing pandemic emergencies.

New Article

Establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to support identification of, and access to, financing required for developing, strengthening, and maintaining core capacities.

Supports developing countries in building necessary public health infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to resources needed for pandemic preparedness.

New Article

Creation of National IHR Authorities to improve coordination of implementation of the Regulations within and among countries.

Facilitates better national implementation and compliance with IHR through designated national bodies, enhancing global health security collaboration.

New Article

Introduction of an article addressing the use of digital health tools and data privacy during health emergencies.

Recognizes the growing role of digital health technologies in managing public health and outlines standards for their use and data protection.