WHO Regulations To Prevent Spread Of Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Under IHR all Member States are expected to report to WHO within 24 hours of assessment any novel infectious disease or event of public health emergency of international concerns.

International Health Regulations IHR come into force, within the two years target set by the 58th World Health Assembly that met in Geneva in May 2005. These regulations are relevant to keep pace with the changing health scenario of global health security. They are a contemporary, updated version of the International Health Regulations (IHR1969) which will afford maximum security against the international spread of diseases and public health events while ensuring minimum interference with international travel and trade.

"The new IHR heralds an era of sharing information in real time among Member States. Thus, the global community will be alerted in a timely manner to mount a coordinated and effective response” said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.

To comply with the timely notification provision, Member States have pledged specific obligations ranging from the nomination of a national IHR focal point who can liaise on all matters pertaining to IHR with the respective sectors of the national government and respond to the WHO's process of notification and verification. Under IHR 2005, Member States must respond to WHO's request for verification of information, irrespective of source or origins. "The initiative is welcome in view of the rapidly evolving situation relating to emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and avian influenza which continue to challenge public health and international health security", said Dr Jai Narain, Director, Department of Communicable Diseases, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Member States are required to immediately assess the core capabilities at all three levels of their health system. The relevant parts of the health system must be subsequently strengthened so they can detect, diagnose, notify and take appropriate control and prevention measures. In addition, they are expected to initiate the designation of airports, sea ports and ground crossings where diseases can enter or leave the country.

Under the new IHR, Member States are assured of a transparent method of assessing the risk posed by any novel agents or events of global consequence, thus minimizing the risk of excessive restriction on trade and travel for any Member State. Any dispute may eventually be resolved by the WHO Secretariat, if it cannot be settled by negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration between the concerned parties.

IHR 2005 stems directly from IHR 1969 which was revised through a consultative process with Member States and WHO. The previous version of IHR had a narrow focus on limited diseases but was found to be inadequate to protect global health security during outbreaks of infectious disease like SARS and nuclear disasters like the one in Chernobyl.

The new IHR, which provides an opportunity for strengthening the national health system and human resources, also carries obligations to be fulfilled by Member States. Overall, it will ensure global health security by a collective response to local problems.

source:www.emaxhealth.com