What are the major changes in the IHR (2005)?
Notification The IHR (2005) require States to notify WHO of all events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern and to respond to requests for verification of information regarding such events. This will enable WHO to ensure appropriate technical collaboration for effective prevention of such emergencies or containment of outbreaks and, under certain defined circumstances, inform other States of the public health risks where action is necessary on their part. The new notification requirements, together with WHO’s mandate to seek verification of unofficial reports of events with potential international implications, and the establishment of National IHR Focal Points, is intended to promote and facilitate information sharing between WHO and its Member States. Greater understanding of the event as it unfolds, plus the assurance of timely technical collaboration, is expected to lead to a climate of greater willingness on the part of Member States to contact th
