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Following the U.S., Italian officials push back against expanded WHO authority over national health responses
Italy has officially rejected the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024 proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), joining the United States in expressing deep concerns over what critics are calling an overreach into national sovereignty.
In a formal letter addressed to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci confirmed Italy’s refusal to adopt the amendments. The letter outlines apprehensions over what the Italian government views as a threat to democratic accountability and the independence of national health systems.
Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli described the proposed WHO changes as “bureaucratic centralism,” warning that such measures could allow unelected international officials to impose health-related restrictions on member states without sufficient national consultation or parliamentary debate.
“Italy stands firmly on the principle that each sovereign nation must retain the authority to determine its own response to public health emergencies,” Cirielli said in a statement. “No external body should override our democratic process or health policy decisions.”
Health Minister Schillaci echoed these sentiments, arguing that the WHO’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant shortcomings. “Rather than expanding its authority, the WHO should reflect on its limitations and build a more accountable and responsive framework,” he said.
The 2024 amendments to the IHR were introduced to strengthen global pandemic preparedness by giving the WHO increased powers to declare emergencies and coordinate international responses. Proponents argue that these reforms are necessary to prevent future global health crises from spiraling out of control. However, critics fear that the changes may lead to the erosion of national autonomy and constitutional rights.
Italy’s decision signals growing resistance among some member states to global health centralization efforts. It also highlights a broader debate over the role of international organizations in national decision-making, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of current global health governance.
It remains to be seen how this growing opposition will affect the future of the WHO’s reforms, which require broad consensus among member nations to take effect. Meanwhile, Rome has reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation but on its own terms.
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