International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities at points of entry

Abstract

The International Health Regulations (‎IHR)‎ (‎2005)‎ entered into force in June 2007 and are legally binding on all the WHO Member States (‎MS)‎. The main purpose of this global legal framework is to prevent the international spread of disease while avoiding unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade. Under the IHR (‎2005)‎, points of entry (‎PoE)‎ play an important role in preventing international spread of diseases. Strengthening core capacities at all times, establishing response mechanisms to address an event including public health emergency contingency plan, and measures to be adopted during public health emergency of international concern (‎PHEIC)‎ are core requirements under IHR (‎2005)‎. A regional meeting on IHR (‎2005)‎ core capacities at PoE was held in Kochi, (‎India)‎ to discuss progress made under the IHR (‎2005)‎ at PoE in Member States, identify strengths and weaknesses and follow-up actions at national and regional levels to strengthen core national capacities at PoE. During the meeting, it was agreed that the main areas where MS need to accelerate their efforts included advocacy, amending legislation, strengthening intersectoral collaboration and dedicating resources, both in terms of finance and human resources, and paying special attention to issues related to ground crossing points. WHO was urged to provide technical support in building human resource capacity through study tours; support development of action plans including public health emergency contingency plan; provide relevant materials for advocacy and training of staff; facilitate cross-border meetings and enhanced collaboration with other related international agencies; and mobilize resources.