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Susan Pockett's avatar

There shouldn't BE any "International Health Regulations". What a crock the whole thing is. All countries should simply wake up and EXIT THE WHO.

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Bert Rogers's avatar

Feel free to copy or modify what I sent to Mr. Fearne today:

Dear Mr. Chris Fearne,

I hope you're doing well and staying healthy. I am writing to you today about a matter of great importance and urgency related to the integrity of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the public's trust in international health governance.

As you know, Article 55 of the IHR stipulates that amendments must be proposed at least four months before the World Health Assembly (WHA) convenes. With the 77th WHA scheduled for May 27 to June 1, 2024, the deadline for submitting amendments is unequivocally January 27, 2024. The adherence to this timeline is not merely procedural; it is a fundamental aspect of transparent and accountable governance, allowing State Parties ample time to consider and prepare for any changes to the regulations that govern our collective health security.

However, it has come to public attention that the Working Group for amendments to the IHR has scheduled meetings beyond the stipulated deadline, with the final meeting planned for April 22-26, 2024. This schedule is not only a direct contravention of Article 55 but also a deviation from the initial plan, potentially leaving insufficient time for thorough review and consideration by the State Parties.

If unaddressed, this course of action may undermine the credibility of the amendment process and the trust in the institutions meant to safeguard global health. As a respected leader and a proponent of ethical governance, your voice and influence are crucial in ensuring that the IHR amendment process remains transparent, legitimate, and within the legal framework established by the IHR itself.

I would like you, Mr. Fearne, to take a stand for the rule of law and the principles of transparency by advocating for the Working Group to follow the timelines set out in Article 55. Moreover, I'd like to ask you to fully investigate the proposed schedule that flouts the four-month advance notice requirement.

Your public statement on this matter will ensure that the health regulations that protect us all are not subject to compromise or last-minute revisions without due process. It is not merely a procedural concern but a matter of upholding the principles that ensure fair and equitable health governance for all nations.

I appreciate your consideration of this urgent issue. I look forward to your response and public statement upholding the integrity of the International Health Regulations.

Sincerely,

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