The United States and Italy have officially rejected the World Health Organization's revisions to the International Health Regulations, which were adopted in 2024. The new measures, which are binding on member states, seek to bolster the global response to pandemics, including the introduction of the notion of "pandemic emergency" and the promotion of greater international collaboration and solidarity.  However, both nations have expressed strong reservations about the amendments’ content. The White House believes that the revised standards interfere excessively with national health policies. In a joint statement, Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "These amendments risk undermining our sovereign right to determine our own health policy. We will always prioritize Americans and reject international directives that jeopardize individual freedoms, privacy, or freedom of expression". President Donald Trump, who returned to office this year, also reaffirmed the United States' withdrawal from the WHO. Nonetheless, the U.S. State Department clarified that the amendments remain formally applicable until a formal notification of rejection is submitted, which Washington has now officially done. Italy has likewise decided not to accept the modifications. In a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dated July 18, Health Minister Orazio Schillaci made this clear. “Pursuant to Article 61 of the International Health Regulations (2005), I hereby notify Italy’s rejection of all adopted amendments", the letter states.