IHR (2005) Compliance: Laboratory Capacities and Biological Risks

Abstract

In 2005, the United States and the other Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed to a new approach to global health security. Recognizing that international agreements rooted in the nineteenth century no longer sufficiently addressed the health threats posed by novel, emerging, and reemerging pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the revised International Health Regulations [IHR (2005)].1 The revised IHR entered into force in June 2007. IHR (2005) obligate the now- 196 States Parties to develop the core capacities required to detect, assess, report, and respond to public health emergencies of international concern. The regulations cover biological, chemical, radiological/nuclear, and other threats to public health, regardless of origin (naturally, accidentally, or deliberately released).