Topic: International Health Regulations

Dr. Meryl Nass addresses the European Parliament regarding proposed changes to the World Health Organization's International Health Treaty. She characterizes the amendments as a "soft coup" that would grant the WHO Director-General the power to declare pandemics without specific standards. The proposal reportedly includes provisions for digital passports, censorship of dissenting narratives, and a "One Health" concept.

The WHO is currently negotiating a new international accord on pandemic preparedness and considering targeted amendments to the International Health Regulations. These changes aim to "sharpen" the tools available for declaring global emergencies with less individual member state involvement. Critics argue these amendments are a way for the White House to bypass the treaty process and grant the WHO more centralized power.

The World Health Organization announced it does not expect monkeypox to become a global pandemic despite 257 confirmed cases worldwide. Meanwhile, a proposal for 13 amendments to the International Health Regulations, supported by the Biden administration, reportedly failed to gain enough support. Opposition came from 47 African nations (AFRO), as well as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Brazil threatening to exit the WHO entirely.

The Biden administration is accused of bypassing Congress to amend a ratified treaty that would grant the World Health Organization power over national pandemic responses. The hosts compare this legal maneuver to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and predict widespread public compliance with future mandates.