About the IHR

Key document Areas of work for IHR implementation Guide for WHO countries in the implementation of obligations

Since 15 June 2007, the world has been implementing the International Health Regulations (2005). This legally-binding agreement significantly contributes to global public health security by providing a new framework for the coordination of the management of events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern, and will improve the capacity of all countries to detect, assess, notify and respond to public health threats.

Countries that are States Parties to the Regulations have two years to assess their capacity and develop national action plans followed by three years to meet the requirements of the Regulations regarding their national surveillance and response systems as well as the requirements at designated airports, ports and certain ground crossings (a two-year extension may be obtained, and, in exceptional circumstances, an additional extension could be granted, not exceeding two years).

ARE YOU INFORMED? What are the IHR? Guidance for national policy-makers and partners [pdf 434kb] Three top priorities for States Parties [pdf 28kb] Ten things you need to do to implement the IHR Frequently asked questions about IHR (2005) [pdf 83kb]

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS BRIEFS IHR brief no. 1 [pdf 25kb] Introduction to the IHR (2005) IHR brief no. 2 [pdf 42kb] Notification and other reporting requirements under the IHR (2005) IHR brief no. 3 [pdf 39kb] Points of entry under the IHR (2005)

Related links

- IHR archives: including information on how the IHR were revised
- Partnerships
- International Health Regulations E-library
- International Health Regulations Coordination WHO Lyon Office

ihrinfo@who.int