HAI statement to the 79th World Health Assembly | Download PDF
Agenda Item 13.2 – Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005)
Thank you, Chair,
The amended IHR constitutes one of the most effective tools at the disposal of the
international community to respond to pandemic outbreaks and other health emergencies.
We commend WHO secretariat for its coordination and support provided to Member States
and relevant stakeholders, which has, through risk assessment and early warnings, played a
role in the avoidance of several potential public health emergencies of international concern.
Now, we insist on the need for transparency in the implementation of IHR. This is essential
across the entire response, and particularly regarding manufacture, procurement and
donations of health goods, be it for Ebola, Mpox, Hantavirus, or any other lurking threat.
We end by highlighting that the IHR entered into force because of the political will of 182
Member States. We now need the same magnitude of consensus in all the other pandemic
related dossiers.