Strengthening global health security by embedding the International Health Regulations requirements into national health systems

Kluge, Hans; Martín-Moreno, Jose Maria; Emiroglu, Nedret; Rodier, Guenael; Kelley, Edward; Vujnovic, Melitta; Permanand, Govin

â–º the ability to detect and assess events (ensure that surveillance systems and laboratories can detect potential threats, and understand the nature and potential severity and impact of the event in order to be able to make decisions in public health emergencies); â–º notify and report events (report specific diseases, plus any potential public health emergencies, to WHO through a network of 'National IHR Focal Points'); â–º verify and respond (countries are expected to be able to implement preliminary control measures immediately and respond appropriately to public health risks and emergencies). 10 The IHR (2005) also require some core capacity for designated airports, ports and ground crossings-'Points of Entry'-at all times, as well as responding to PHEICs, in order to limit the international spread of public health risks and to prevent unwarranted travel and trade restrictions. There are further expectations around countries' capacity for coordination (multisectoral action, eg, between health, transport, food, agriculture, the environment, etc) and ability to mutually support each other in the event of a public health emergency.