House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
World Health Organization Pandemic Accord Negotiations and the International Health Regulations
25 November 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK Government is committed to negotiating a World Health Organization Pandemic Accord that improves global health security while upholding national sovereignty.
- Negotiations for the Pandemic Accord have until May 2025 to conclude but the UK aims to complete them sooner if possible.
- The UK is reviewing amendments to the International Health Regulations and plans to decide on rejection or reservation by July 2025.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the ongoing negotiations for the World Health Organization's (WHO) Pandemic Accord and updates on amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Action requested
The UK Government remains committed to negotiating a Pandemic Accord that enhances global health security while respecting national sovereignty. They have until May 2025 to reach an agreement but will continue working towards it, potentially concluding earlier if feasible. The government also continues its review of IHR amendments adopted by the WHO and plans to notify whether they wish to reject or reserve on any amendments by July 2025.
Key facts
- The most recent round of Pandemic Accord negotiations took place from 4 – 15 November.
- Over 70% of the text has reached provisional agreement.
- Member States have until May 2025 to reach an agreement on the Accord.
- Amendments to the IHR were agreed at the World Health Assembly in May 2024 and notified by WHO Director General on 19 September 2024.
- The UK has 10 months to review and notify whether to reject or reserve on any amendments, with a July 2025 deadline.