(The Epoch Times)—The Trump administration said on July 18 that the United States is rejecting a World Health Organization (WHO) agreement that it says gives the global health body too much power.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the formal rejection of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
“Nations who accept the new regulations are signing over their power in health emergencies to an unelected international organization that could order lockdowns, travel restrictions, or any other measures that it sees fit,” Kennedy said in a video statement. “In fact, it doesn’t even need to declare an emergency.”
The amendments to the regulations included introducing a new term—a pandemic emergency—that would trigger certain actions to respond to a pandemic, or events that could become a pandemic.
The WHO said after they were approved in 2024 by member countries—including the United States—that the amendments would “strengthen global preparedness, surveillance and responses to public health emergencies, including pandemics.”
According to U.S. officials, there was a deadline this month to reject the amendments, or they would have become binding on the United States, even though the country withdrew from the WHO earlier this year at President Donald Trump’s direction.
Rubio and Kennedy said in a joint statement that the amendments compel countries to adopt digital health documents and elevate political issues such as solidarity, rather than take quick and effective action.
“Our Agencies have been and will continue to be clear: we will put Americans first in all our actions, and we will not tolerate international policies that infringe on Americans’ speech, privacy, or personal liberties,” they said. “These amendments risk unwarranted interference with our national sovereign right to make health policy.”
The WHO did not return a request for comment.
Some members of Congress praised the development.
“The United States will not allow the WHO to use public health emergencies to devastate our nation. I fully support the Trump administration’s decision to reject the IHR amendments,” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said in a statement.
“The United States must never cede our sovereignty to any international entity or organization. I applaud Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rubio for rejecting the World Health Organization’s ill-advised International Health Regulations amendments,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).
Lawrence Gostin from the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law wrote on X that the set of regulations “facilitates rapid detection and response … promotes accurate info and protects civil liberties, and it certainly does not affect US sovereignty.”
The IHR was introduced in 2005 as the successor to international sanitary regulations that had been in place since 1951.
When the WHO approved the amendments in 2024, members also agreed to keep negotiating a pandemic agreement.
Members in May approved a pandemic agreement that states in part that countries shall take steps to prepare for future pandemics, including improving vaccine coverage.
The United States did not participate in the final stages of negotiations for the accord because they were held after the country withdrew from the WHO.
Trump’s executive order directing officials to leave the organization stated in part that any actions taken to effectuate the pandemic treaty and amendments to the IHR “will have no binding force on the United States.”
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
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Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
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