Reports that WHO seeks to impose regulations in case of a future pandemic raises concerns

RECENT reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) is trying to impose new protocols and requirements on its member states in dealing with future pandemics is causing concern in Britain and other countries.

Indeed, this information seems to have unleashed a fierce public reaction amidst fears that a United Nations specialised agency wants to transition from an advisory organisation in to a controlling international authority. The issue is especially interesting in the context of the recent coronavirus pandemic and in light of fears of the possibility of another such case lurking around the corner.

According to the UK press, new powers for the WHO are being considered as part of an updating of the agency’s International Health Regulations.

These set out obligations for its 194 member states to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks and other public health risks.

But now, among numerous suggested changes, there are proposals to create what amount to “legally binding” responses by them to health emergencies, thus turning the WHO from a body providing guidance and assistance to issuing recommendations that will become compulsory and enforceable.

It is also being suggested that member states would be required formally to recognize the WHO as the global authority on public health measures. This would mean, in effect, that the body would be empowered to dictate the health policies of individual countries and impose border controls and closures, quarantines, lockdowns and vaccine passports, as