Key Facts
• July 18, 2025: U.S. rejects WHO pandemic treaty amendments.
• Amendments aim to strengthen global defenses against severe health crises.
• Introduces new classification: “Pandemic Emergency.”
• U.S. claims amendments were drafted without sufficient discussion.
• Proposed changes expand WHO’s role in public health emergencies.
• U.S. State and Health Departments issued formal rejection notice.
• Amendments include equitable access to medical supplies.
• Rubio and Kennedy stated rejection protects U.S. sovereignty.
• Amendments retain health policy authority with national governments.
• WHO criticized for not learning from past experiences.
Summary
The United States formally rejected amendments to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) pandemic treaty on July 18, 2025. These amendments, aimed at enhancing global preparedness for severe health crises, introduced a new “Pandemic Emergency” classification and sought to expand WHO’s authority in public health emergencies, including equitable access to medical supplies. The U.S. government argued the amendments were developed without adequate discussion and could infringe on national sovereignty. Despite this, the amendments maintain health policy authority with individual governments. U.S. officials, including Rubio and Kennedy, emphasized the decision as a move to protect sovereignty, while also criticizing WHO for failing to learn from past lessons. The rejection highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and WHO regarding global health governance.
