Public health event communication under the International Health Regulations (2005) in the Western Pacific Region, September 2006-January 2017

Abstract

International Health Regulation (IHR) (2005) represents a major development of using an international legal instrument to protect public health. It entered into force in June 2007.  Simulation exercises, IHR Exercise Crystal, have been held almost annually to strengthen the functions of IHR National Focal Points and the regional contact point. We analyzed email communications received by the regional contact point under the International Health Regulations (IHR) and IHR Exercise Crystal from 2007 to 2016. The analyses showed all the 27 National Focal Points had communications with the WHO contact point of the Western Pacific Region. All IHR State Parties in the region but one have made notifications of potential Public Health Emergencies of International Concern to WHO. Countries have utilized the IHR communication mechanism to consult with WHO about events that do not require notifications or to share information with WHO and other countries. In IHR Exercise Crystal, the numbers of countries that are accessible, and capable of making notifications increased steadily over the years. IHR communication is fully functional in the WHO Western Pacific Region. It enables timely communications between WHO and Member States on all health hazards.