Descriptive review and evaluation of the functioning of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Annex 2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The International Health Regulations (IHRs) (2005) was developed with the aim of governing international responses to public health risks and emergencies. The document requires all 194 World Health Organization (WHO) Member States to detect, assess, notify and report any potential public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under specific timelines. Annex 2 of the IHR outlines decision-making criteria for State-appointed National Focal Points (NFP) to report potential PHEICs to the WHO, and is a critical component to the effective functioning of the IHRs.

Methods

The aim of the study was to review and evaluate the functioning of Annex 2 across WHO-reporting States Parties. Specific objectives were to ascertain NFP awareness and knowledge of Annex 2, p

SUBMITTER: Anema A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3313850 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature