International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and Global Health Security
In short: The International Health Regulations (2005) are a legally binding agreement among 196 States Parties to detect, report and respond to public health risks that can cross borders, including declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Origins
Earlier International Sanitary Regulations from the 1850s–1960s covered only a few diseases such as cholera, plague and yellow fever. After the 2003 SARS outbreak, the regulations were revised in 2005 to cover any event that could become an international emergency. They entered into force in 2007.
Core capacities
Countries must build capacities for surveillance, laboratories, risk communication, points of entry and emergency response. Each country names an IHR National Focal Point. Joint External Evaluations assess progress.
PHEICs
The WHO Director-General can declare a PHEIC on the advice of an Emergency Committee. Examples include H1N1 influenza (2009), polio (2014), Ebola (2014 and 2019), Zika (2016), COVID-19 (2020) and mpox (2022 and 2024). Amendments adopted in 2024 introduced a new 'pandemic emergency' level.
Key takeaways
- IHR (2005) are legally binding for WHO member states.
- Countries must maintain core surveillance and response capacities.
- A PHEIC is WHO's highest alert under the IHR.
Common questions
Who is Nepal's IHR focal point?
The Ministry of Health and Population, through its epidemiology and emergency units.
What is a PHEIC?
An extraordinary event that poses a public health risk to other countries and may need a coordinated international response.
References
Educational content by PHC-Nepal. It does not replace advice from a qualified health professional.