Abstract:
The International Health Regulations (IHR), serving as the core norm of global public health governance, have evolved over a long historical period. The amendments adopted in 2024 not only constitute an institutional response to recent public health emergencies that revealed inherent shortcomings in the IHR but are also profoundly shaped by the dual impact of globalization′s "contagion effect" and the vision of a "community of common health for mankind". This article examines key aspects of the amendments, including the introduction of a "Pandemic Emergency" framework, efforts to strengthen the World Health Organization′s leadership role, the establishment of Competent National Authorities, and the creation of mechanisms for global information sharing, collaborative assistance, and equitable resource allocation. Additionally, it analyzes the establishment of an Implementation Review Committee to enhance member states’ compliance with their obligations. In addressing the IHR′s governance challenges, the article puts forward a "Chinese solution" guided by the concept of a community of common health for mankind. This solution emphasizes the participation of non-state actors in global health governance and advocates for the alignment and integration of domestic public health legal systems with international regulations. The ultimate goal is to safeguard human health and international health security while advancing equitable access to global public health resources.