Federal Council approves the amendments to the International Health Regulations
Bern, 20.06.2025 — At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to approve the amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). In reaching this decision, it took account of the results of the public consultation and of the consultation of the parliamentary committees responsible, taking note of the relevant report. The IHR are designed to promote international collaboration to control any events which pose a threat to public health.
With the approval of the amendments to the IHR, Switzerland underlines its commitment to strong international collaboration on controlling epidemics and transboundary health risks. The IHR (2005) focus in particular on measures to prevent the international spread of infectious diseases while avoiding unwarranted travel and trade restrictions.
Each State Party must be capable of preventing and controlling the international spread of diseases, protecting its population and implementing control measures. At the same time, it is left to individual countries (including Switzerland) to decide how these obligations are to be met in practice in the specific national context.
The amendments concern, for example, the strengthening of collaboration between States Parties and the World Health Organization (WHO), so that countries can be more effectively supported by the WHO in investigating new disease outbreaks. They are also designed to strengthen prevention, surveillance, preparedness and response at all levels, e.g. in relation to laboratory diagnostics or access to health services needed for the response.
No amendments to legislation required, Switzerland retains decision-making sovereignty
Switzerland already has the required capacities to prevent, prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, as defined in the amended IHR. Accordingly, no amendments to legislation or additional resources are necessary in order to implement the amendments to the IHR in Switzerland.
The amendments to the IHR do not involve any expansion of the WHO’s powers that would restrict the sovereignty of States Parties. This has been explicitly guaranteed in the IHR since 2005. In the future, Switzerland will thus retain sovereignty over its own health policy at all times.
Public consultation and consultation of parliamentary committees
The Federal Council conducted a public consultation running from 13 November 2024 to 27 February 2025. The amendments are supported by almost all cantons and the majority of political parties and stakeholders. Critical opinions calling for rejection of the amendments were in the minority in the consultation. The consultation also drew significant public interest. A number of individuals and associations expressed their opposition to the amendments. The parliamentary committees responsible were consulted, and here too the amendments to the IHR enjoy majority approval.
Reservation concerning measures to address misinformation and disinformation
In Switzerland, under Art. 9 of the Epidemics Act, the Federal Council is required to provide information for the public, as well as for authorities and experts, about communicable diseases and options for prevention. For example, it publishes practical information on case numbers or data on regional spread. Switzerland, however, lacks a specific legal basis for addressing misinformation and disinformation, as described in the amendments to the IHR. The Federal Council has therefore decided to enter a reservation concerning measures to address misinformation and disinformation in risk communication. Switzerland will continue to assure objective, scientific risk communication and to uphold the fundamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, such as freedom to express opinions, freedom of the media and academic freedom.
In addition, Switzerland will submit a declaration indicating that the amendments specified in the IHR concerning the capacity to provide access to health services in the event of a crisis will be implemented in accordance with the constitutional division of responsibilities between the Confederation and the cantons.
Amendments to the IHR (2005)
For over 70 years, collaboration on prevention and control of the spread of infectious diseases across borders has been governed by the International Health Regulations (IHR). The IHR are a legally binding instrument of the WHO, originally adopted in the 1950s. They have frequently been amended and were thoroughly revised in 2005.
The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the need to improve the IHR by amending certain points. The amendments were adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) on 1 June 2024. The Federal Council has the authority to approve these amendments and will submit its approval to the WHO, together with the reservation and the declaration. The amendments will come into effect on 19 September 2025.