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U.S. Rejects WHO’s 2024 Health Regulations to Guard Sovereignty

Officials warn that vague terms combined with broader WHO mandates would undermine U.S. policy autonomy.

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World Health Organization (WHO) logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Overview

  • The Department of State and HHS on July 18 formally transmitted the U.S. rejection of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
  • The 2024 IHR revisions would have expanded WHO authority over pandemic declarations and mandated that manufacturers allocate 20% of vaccines, medicines and tests to the organization.
  • Officials criticized the amendments’ vague terminology and digital health document requirements as threats to scientific debate and individual privacy.
  • The rejection comes after President Trump began withdrawing the U.S. from WHO in January, with authorities noting the IHR amendments would have bound the country despite its planned exit.
  • U.S. leaders flagged WHO’s susceptibility to political influence—particularly from China—as a key reason for disassociating from the binding health rules.