NZ’s Rejection Of Amendments To WHO’s International Health Regulations Ill-Advised And Against National Interest

The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine is deeply concerned by New Zealand’s formal rejection of the 2024 amendments to the WHO’s International Health Regulations. The College considers such a move to be ill-advised and contrary to New Zealand’s national interest.

International Health Regulations are the main international mechanism for preventing and controlling the spread of disease between countries. They reflect recognition that infectious diseases and other public health risks do not respect borders, and that coordinated global action is critical.

The 2024 amendments were driven by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to strengthen the global rules around outbreak detection, information sharing, preparedness and emergency coordination. Former Director General of Health, Sir Ashley Bloomfield co-chaired negotiations leading to their adoption by the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

New Zealand is one of only twelve nations which have formally rejected the amendments, and one of only five that have done so without indicating they still intended to accept them at a later date.

College President Sir Collin Tukuitonga is incredulous at New Zealand’s decision. “We know that it is just a matter of time before the next global pandemic arrives. Rejecting amendments that are designed to strengthen global co-ordination on health threats is worse than burying one’s head in the sand – it is positively flipping off the international community, including our partners in the Pacific”.

No information is yet available on why the Government has made this decision. Tukuitonga wants to know the rationale behind the decision. “The Government owes it to New Zealanders to explain why we are rejecting the key international mechanism to strengthen global cooperation on health threats.” In the absence of a valid reason, Tukuitonga says the College intends pushing for New Zealand to withdraw its rejection.

About: New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine

The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine is the professional body representing the medical specialty of public health medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand. Public Health Medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with the assessment of population health and health care needs, the development of policy and strategy, health promotion, the control and prevention of disease, and the organisation of services. For information about our mahi, members or purpose visit our website www.nzcphm.org.nz

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