IHR is an acronym that stands for International Health Regulations. It refers to a legally binding framework established by the World Health Organization (WHO) that governs the global management and response to public health events. The IHR are designed to prevent, detect, and respond to threats to public health that may have an international impact.
The IHR were first adopted in 1969 and have undergone revisions, with the most recent update occurring in 2005. This revision was prompted by the increasing globalization of travel and trade, which facilitated the rapid spread of infectious diseases across borders. The IHR are based on the principle of shared responsibility, aimed at ensuring the maximum security against the international spread of diseases, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.
Under the IHR, countries are required to develop core capacities, including surveillance, reporting, response, and public health infrastructure, to effectively detect and respond to public health risks. Additionally, the IHR mandate the reporting of certain diseases and public health events, which are considered potential emergencies of international concern.
The IHR also establish procedures for response coordination, collaboration, and communication between countries and the WHO during public health emergencies. It emphasizes early detection and reporting of events, as well as the need for a coordinated response across borders, to minimize the risks of disease outbreaks and their potential impact on global health security.
In summary, the IHR is an international framework that sets forth guidelines and regulations for ensuring effective global cooperation and response to public health emergencies, with the aim of safeguarding the health and well-being of populations worldwide.
