International Health Regulations (‎2005)‎: areas of work for implementation

Overview

Achieving international public health security is one of the main challenges arising from the new and complex landscape of public health.

Shared vulnerability implies shared responsibility. Strengthening countries'disease surveillance and response systems is central to improving public health security in each country and globally. WHO's unique public health mandate, worldwide network, well established global partnership and long-standing experience in international disease control constitute an exceptional and unique asset for supporting countries in strengthening their capacity and for achieving international health security. In June 2007, when the revised International Health Regulations (IHR) enter into force, the world will also have the necessary global framework to prevent, detect, assess and provide a coordinated response to events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

International public health security relies on the appropriate and timely management of public health risks, which in turn depend on effective national capacities and international and intersectoral collaboration. The IHR comprise a legal instrument specifically designed to support the attainment of this goal.

Implementing IHR (2005) is an obligation for WHO and States Parties to the Regulations.