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Italy Rejects WHO Pandemic Rules, Joining U.S. in Blocking 2024 Amendments

The government’s move to preserve health sovereignty has triggered fierce debate with opposition parties denouncing the decision.

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Overview

  • On July 18, Health Minister Orazio Schillaci sent a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus formally rejecting all 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations under Article 61.
  • The move aligns Italy with the United States after Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement condemning the amendments as threats to national sovereignty.
  • Adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly, the amendments would have created a binding “pandemic emergency” framework emphasizing solidarity and equity, set to enter into force on September 19, 2025.
  • Fratelli d’Italia praised the rejection as a defense of Italy’s policy autonomy, while opposition parties including the PD, M5S, Avs and Azione called the decision irresponsible and warned it could undermine future global health cooperation.
  • By lodging its objection ahead of the September deadline, Italy has ensured the amendments will not apply domestically and set a precedent for other nations considering formal reservations.