Global Health Regulations Do Not Give WHO New Powers, Experts Counter RFK Jr.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. incorrectly asserted that updates to global health regulations would empower the World Health Organization (WHO) to impose global lockdowns or travel restrictions during a pandemic. Experts have labeled these claims as “entirely untrue.” On July 18, HHS announced that the U.S. formally opposed amendments to the WHO’s International Health Regulations, established in June. These regulations outline the roles and responsibilities of WHO and its member states in managing public health emergencies. Kennedy echoed false narratives circulating online, claiming that the revised regulations would lead to the erosion of national sovereignty and facilitate global surveillance through health IDs and vaccine passports. Renowned global health law expert Lawrence Gostin emphasized that the amendments reinforce national sovereignty and contain no enforcement mechanisms undermining this principle. Ultimately, while the regulations encourage international cooperation, adherence remains at each state's discretion.

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