October 13, 2022
Today, the O’Neill Institute announces that Lawrence Gostin has been named as an official member of the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Review Committee. Gostin, who serves as faculty director of the O’Neill Institute and directs the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, is the only American selected by WHO Director-General Tedros for this prestigious role. The Review Committee includes 19 members representing 18 countries.
“I am extremely honored to be chosen for this position,” said Gostin. “The work of this Committee will transform the global health architecture and global health governance in the post-COVID era. I’m proud to serve in this role as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make fundamental reforms in pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.”
The Review Committee was established by the WHO Director-General to provide technical recommendations on proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). These regulations are a legally binding agreement between 196 nations to detect, assess, and report potential public health emergencies around the world. The Committee’s report to the Director-General is due no later than mid-January 2023. The IHR Review Committee will coordinate closely with the International Negotiating Body working on a new Pandemic Instrument.