U.S. rejects 2024 WHO International Health Regulations amendments, says public health policy must be shaped domestically

The U.S. government has formally notified the World Health Organization that it rejects the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday, arguing the changes would expand WHO authority to define international threats. Bruce said the 2024 IHR amendments would extend the WHO—s mandate beyond public health emergencies of international concern to include —events or conditions that may have the potential to become emergencies.— She said the administration views that expansion as a central concern and that the U.S. has rejected the amendments in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services. —The days of unelected health bureaucrats in Geneva running over the American people are over,— Bruce said, adding that the decision reaffirms the administration—s position that U.S. public health policy —will be shaped by Americans for Americans.— Bruce linked the rejection to concerns learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying an expanded international health bureaucracy could centralize decision making, stifle scientific debate and censor speech; she did not cite specific instances or new policy measures beyond the notification to WHO. Discussion-only: Bruce characterized the policy rationale behind rejecting the amendments and cited the administration—s desire for domestic control of health policy; no further international legal steps were announced during the briefing. Direction/assignment: The United States formally notified WHO leadership, specifically naming the Director-General in Bruce—s statement, of its rejection of the amendments. Formal action: formal notification to WHO leadership rejecting the 2024 IHR amendments (no further treaty action announced). Bruce quoted: —We formally notified the World Health Organization of our rejection of the 2024 International Health Regulations Amendments,— and later, —The days of unelected health bureaucrats in Geneva running over the American people are over.— Less-critical details: Bruce linked the decision to the administration—s broader review of U.S. participation in international organizations.