Washington, United States (Enmaeya News) — The U.S. government has officially opted out of the 2024 amendments to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations, saying the new rules threaten national sovereignty and expand WHO authority too far.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the regulations were drafted “without adequate public input” and gave the WHO new powers to declare pandemic emergencies and manage global distribution of vaccines, treatments and tests.

They warned that the focus on international “solidarity” could politicize pandemic response efforts and delay urgent action.

A key part of the reforms was to define a formal “pandemic emergency” process and boost international data sharing. The amendments also included a requirement for vaccine makers to give about 20% of pandemic supplies to the WHO, aiming to ensure low-income countries have access to essential tools.

The U.S. decision to opt out is part of a broader shift away from multilateral cooperation. Earlier this year, President Trump called for a full withdrawal from the WHO by January 2026 and halted U.S. participation in negotiations over a global pandemic accord passed in May.

WHO officials defended the amendments, saying they do not take away national decision-making power and do not allow the agency to mandate lockdowns or vaccine policies. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said coordinated action is still essential, warning that exits like the U.S. could weaken global defenses against future health threats.

Supporters of the U.S. move said it was necessary to protect domestic policy independence. Critics said stepping back could leave a leadership gap and damage global health readiness.