Amendments to IHR 2005

In a landmark development, the 77th World Health Assembly recently approved a series of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), responding to lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. These amendments aim to enhance countries' readiness to tackle Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and Pandemic Emergencies (PE).

The Amendments:

• Need: The amendments were prompted by the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for a more robust global health security framework.
• The amendments focus on improving countries' preparedness and response capabilities during health emergencies.
• They include provisions for
  • equitable access to health products during emergencies
  • mobilization of financial resources to support developing countries in strengthening their core capacities under the IHR (2005)
• Significance:
  • The adoption of these amendments marks a significant step towards enhancing global health security and promoting equity in pandemic response efforts.
  • India played a constructive role in the negotiations, contributing to the crafting of an instrument that prioritizes equity and enables developing countries to respond effectively to health emergencies.

What is Global Health Security?

• Global health security focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats that can easily spread across borders.
• Major Risks: Globalization and advancements in medicine have introduced new risks to health security:
  • Emergence and Spread of Infectious Diseases: Diseases like the novel coronavirus identified in 2019 can quickly spread across continents.
  • Globalization of Trade and Travel: Faster trade and travel allow diseases to spread more rapidly.
  • Rise of Drug-Resistant Pathogens: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as E. coli, pose a significant threat.
  • Risk of Pathogen Release: There's a risk of intentional or accidental release of dangerous pathogens.
• Role of IHR: IHR play a crucial role in global health security by providing a framework for countries to prevent, detect, and respond to international health threats. They promote collaboration and information sharing among countries, strengthening the global response to infectious diseases and other health emergencies.

Is India's Healthcare Ready for Future Pandemics?

• Current Status: India's Global Health Security Index score dropped from 43.6 in 2019 to 42.8 in 2021, lower than some other countries like Japan, Brazil, and Russia. However, India is actively taking steps to improve its readiness.
• Initiatives Taken:
  • PRET Initiative: India launched the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative to develop a National Pandemic Preparedness Plan for Respiratory Viruses, offering guidance for integrated planning.
  • One Health Approach: One Health is an interdisciplinary approach recognizing the link between human, animal, and environmental health. India is implementing One Health through various initiatives:
    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
    • National Institute for One Health
    • Establishment of a network for genomic surveillance
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission