IHR Emergency Committee for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
17 July 2019 - WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today declared the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congoa Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
IHR Emergency Committee for Ebola virus disease in DRC
12 April 2019 - The meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) regarding Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
International Health Regulations (2005)
Third edition
The 3rd edition of the International Health Regulations (2005) is now available. This edition includes the text of World Health Assembly resolution WHA58.3, the amended version of Annex 7 concerning period of protection of vaccination against yellow fever, and validity of related certificates that entered into force on 11 July 2016, the Health Part of the Aircraft General Declaration that entered into force on 15 July 2007, and appendices containing an updated list of States Parties and State Party reservations and other communications in connection with the IHR (2005).
Core functions of the IHR
Build capacity in countries to minimize disease and prevent the escalation of public health emergencies.
Detect
Gather and analyze public health data to rapidly detect health security risks as they develop.
Inform
Keep stakeholders informed with essential facts about public health events that affect them, and report public health risks to WHO.
Respond
Protect public health by responding with actions and resources where and when they are needed.
Facilitate
Coordinate WHO's work with partners so that together we can help countries build capacity for health security." style="float:left">
In today’s connected world, health security is a global issue. We must all protect ourselves, and each other, from threats like infectious diseases, chemical and radiological events.
That is why 196 countries have agreed to work together to prevent and respond to public health crises. The agreement is called the International Health Regulations, or IHR (2005), and WHO plays the coordinating role. Through the IHR, WHO keeps countries informed about public health risks, and works with partners to help countries build capacity to detect, report and respond to public health events.
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Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo
10 October 2019 -
Yellow fever – Nigeria
8 October 2019
Highlights
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14 June 2019
The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee has made a statement for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Committee decided that the Ebola outbreak in DRC does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
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12 April 2019
The meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) regarding Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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6 July 2018
Report of an international consultation: Methodology for risk mapping of international spread of vector-borne disease via air travel
The international consultation took place in Geneva 5-6 July 2018. The aim of the 2-day consultation was to arrive at a methodology to map the risk of international spread of vector-borne diseases via air travel, not only during outbreaks but also routinely. The methodology will allow WHO to identify areas and airports with a risk of international spread of vector-borne diseases and will help inform policy decisions to implement effective vector control measures to prevent the spread of vectors via aircraft, including aircraft disinsection, as appropriate.
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26 February 2018
Tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the IHR (2005)
15 June 2017 marked the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the IHR (2005). On this occasion, the Weekly Epidemiological Record is publishing a series of articles on the Regulations’ contribution to global public health security.” Part 1: Habemus “IHR”: a short history of the Regulations and their renewal and Part 2: Practicum: implementing the “new” IHR and Part 3: Compliance with the IHR.
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24 October 2017
Meeting report: Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool and process
The WHO Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Secretariat collected and consolidated feedback and comments from Member States, experts and partners involved in the JEE since its launch in February 2016. The meeting reviewed the consolidated feedback and made recommendations to the JEE Secretariat to finalize the JEE tool version 2.0 and JEE process.
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13 October 2017
International Day for Disaster Reduction
The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) reminds us of the importance of putting health at the centre of action to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. Millions of people are killed, injured or made sick each year by natural and manmade disasters. Stronger health systems, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) are critical to building community and country resilience. Dr Peter Salama, WHO Executive Director for Emergencies. Read the full statement, Read more about IDDR 2017.
Key publications
IHR national capacities
All States Parties are required to have or to develop minimum core public health capacities to implement the IHR (2005) effective in accordance with articles 5 and 13 of the IHR (2005).