United States Declines to Ratify Proposed 2024 Amendments to International Health Regulations
Washington D.C. – In a significant announcement today, the United States government has formally declared its rejection of the proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005, which were put forth in 2024. The joint statement, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, outlines the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing a commitment to national sovereignty and ensuring the robustness of public health systems.
The statement, released by the U.S. Department of State on July 18, 2025, at 14:12, underscores that while the U.S. remains a dedicated partner in global health security and acknowledges the importance of international cooperation, the proposed amendments did not align with the nation’s principles of self-governance and the safeguarding of its citizens’ well-being.
Secretary Rubio, in his capacity as the nation’s chief diplomat, highlighted the critical need for any international agreement to respect the sovereign authority of member states in setting and implementing their own public health policies. The U.S. stance is rooted in the belief that national governments are best positioned to determine the most effective strategies for protecting their populations, taking into account unique national contexts and priorities.
Echoing these sentiments, Secretary Kennedy of the Department of Health and Human Services stressed the importance of maintaining the flexibility and autonomy of the U.S. public health infrastructure. The statement indicates that concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of the proposed amendments on the ability of the United States to respond independently to public health emergencies, ensuring that any multilateral framework complements rather than constrains domestic capabilities.
While the specific details of the rejected amendments were not extensively elaborated upon in the initial joint statement, the core message conveyed is one of careful consideration and a commitment to ensuring that international health regulations serve as a collaborative tool that respects national prerogatives. The U.S. government reiterated its unwavering commitment to working with international partners to enhance global health security, combat infectious diseases, and prepare for future health challenges through established and mutually beneficial frameworks.
This decision reflects a broader deliberative process within the U.S. government concerning international health governance and the balance between global cooperation and national sovereignty. The United States remains committed to contributing to a safer and healthier world, and will continue to engage constructively with the World Health Organization and other international bodies on matters of shared global health concern.
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U.S. Department of State published ‘Joint Statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy on the United States’ Rejection of 2024 Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)’ at 2025-07-18 14:12. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.