To improve the health and wellbeing of all people worldwide, global health reforms are underway with the aim of:

• strengthening international responses to pandemics
• strengthening the global health system
• improving global health.

To deliver on these global health reforms, Australia is working closely with the global health community, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to advocate for international rules, norms, and standards in the interest of improving the health and wellbeing of Australians and people in our region. We know certain health threats are more likely to arise overseas. International cooperation, guided by international rules, norms and standards, is critical for Australia to be able to monitor and respond to these challenges.

Australia is committed to strengthening the global health system to prevent and respond to future health emergencies, including pandemics, by building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have been engaging in two complementary processes to strengthen the legal framework for global health emergency and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response under the auspices of the WHO:

• a new international pandemic agreement
• targeted changes to the existing International Health Regulations (2005).

International agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

In December 2021, the WHO set up an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft a new international instrument or treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (the pandemic agreement).

On 1 June 2024, at the 77th World Health Assembly, WHO Member States noted that strong progress has been achieved on the pandemic agreement, however more work is needed to ensure the world is better prepared for future pandemics. WHO Member States agreed to continue negotiations and finalise the pandemic agreement by the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, or earlier if possible in 2024. 

Australia will continue to engage actively in pandemic agreement negotiations to advocate for our national and regional interests and priorities. Details of Australia's goals and priorities through these reform processes are available on the Department of Health and Aged Care's website.

Changes to the International Health Regulations

The International Health Regulations (IHR):

• help protect the health of the global community
• support prompt responses to health emergencies that could impact countries, including Australia.

On 1 June 2024, at the 77th World Health Assembly, WHO Member States, including Australia, agreed a package of targeted changes to the International Health Regulations (2005). The agreed IHR changes are available on the WHO website. The changes will:

• build capacity of each country to prepare for, and respond to health emergencies
• strengthen public health response measures, including equitable access to health products needed to respond to global public health emergencies
• strengthen information sharing and early responses to disease outbreaks
• strengthen countries' implementation of the IHR.

In coming months, the Australian Government will decide whether or not to agree to the IHR changes adopted by the 77th World Health Assembly. For more information, see treaty-making process in Australia.

For more information on global health reform, see the Department of Health and Aged Care's website on Strengthening global health and international pandemic response.