WHO gets new powers to combat pandemics

Earlier this morning, the World Health Organization approved tough new regulations which give the international agency broadened powers to fight global health threats. Under the new rules, the WHO has strengthened authority to restrict travel and commerce from affected areas. In theory, WHO officials will also have more access to information on the ground in areas where diseases have broken out. In the past, many countries have withheld information. Governments will be required to report new outbreaks and provide international officials with access to data. Critics have been asking for new rules for years.

- see this story from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)