Opinion: The U.S. must reconsider its decision to reject amendments to a global health treaty

Last week, the Trump administration rejected the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) — a global treaty that the United States has been a part of since 2007. The rejection cited concerns about sovereignty, scientific freedom, and World Health Organization overreach.

Many of the concerns raised by the Trump administration — such as protecting U.S. sovereignty and ensuring rapid, science-based responses — were also priorities for the Biden administration. Thanks in large part to U.S. leadership during the negotiations, the final IHR amendments address those concerns and would enhance American safety. At a time when the risk of a catastrophic biological event is increasing, this decision undermines one of the best tools we have to track and stop those threats at their source before they reach our shores. That’s why the Trump administration must reconsider this decision.

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