What is meant by a public health emergency of international concern in the IHR (2005)?
According to the IHR (2005) a public health emergency of international concern refers to an extraordinary public health event which is determined, under specific procedures: • to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and • to potentially require a coordinated international response. To ensure adequate and early communications with WHO about potential international public health emergencies, the IHR (2005) include a decision instrument (Annex 2 of the Regulations) which sets the parameters for notification to WHO of all events which may constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) based on the following criteria: • seriousness of the public health impact of the event; • unusual or unexpected nature of the event; • potential for the event to spread internationally; and/or • the risk that restrictions to travel or trade may result because of the event. Timely and transparent notification of events combined wit
