Ports, airports and ground crossings

While international travel and trade bring many health benefits linked to economic development, they may also cause public health risks that can spread internationally at airports, ports and ground crossings through persons, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels.

The IHR (2005) provide a public health response in the form of obligations and standing or temporary non-binding recommendations in ways that avoid unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.

States Parties to the IHR (2005) must strengthen public health capacities at designated airports, ports and ground crossings in both routine circumstances and when responding to events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

Guidance, advice and tools

Related links

WHO works in close collaboration with other UN and international organizations to provide guidance to States Parties in the implementation of the IHR (2005).

ihrinfo@who.int