The World Health Organisation (WHO) is proposing two major reforms: a new international pandemic agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

The new agreement is intended to strengthen the international community’s efforts towards future pandemics. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen global health systems, disease surveillance, and enhance equity in pandemic response.

The Australian Government is dedicated to strengthening national and global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

The Australian Government is actively engaging in negotiations on the new instrument to ensure Australia’s interests are preserved and our priorities advanced. This will include extensive consultation across government, including states and territories, as well as stakeholders and the public.

Any instrument that is negotiated will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT). JSCOT undertakes further consultation on proposed treaties by inviting submissions from stakeholders and members of the public.

The WHO is, and remains, a Member State-led organisation. It has no legal authority to force countries to accept any of its recommendations. Under international law, Member States retain sovereignty regarding their health policies. The proposed pandemic agreement and amendments to the IHR will not override Australia’s constitution.

For updates on Australia’s involvement with the new instrument and the IHR amendment process please refer to Strengthening Global Health and International Pandemic Response here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/strengthening-global-health-and-international-pandemic-response