International Health Regulations come into force from tomorrow

New Delhi, June 14 (UNI) The International Health Regulations aimed at affording maximum security against spread of diseases and public health events across international borders while ensuring minimum interference with international travel and trade would come into effect from tomorrow.

The Regulations passed by the 58th World Health Assembly that met in Geneva in May 2005 have come into effect with in two years of it being approved. These regulations are relevant to keep pace with the changing health scenario of global health security, a WHO release said here today.

Under IHR (2005) all Member States are expected to report to WHO within 24 hours of assessment any novel disease or event of public health emergency of international concerns.

"The new IHR heralds an era of sharing information in real time among Member States. Thus, the global community will be alerted in a timely manner to mount a coordinated and effective response" said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.

To comply with the timely notification provision, Member States have pledged specific obligations ranging from the nomination of a national IHR focal point who can liaise on all matters pertaining to IHR with the respective sectors of the national government and respond to the WHO's process of notification and verification. Under IHR 2005, Member States must respond to WHO's request for verification of information, irrespective of source or origins.

"The initiative is welcome in view of the rapidly evolving situation relating to emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and avian influenza which continue to challenge public health and international health security," said Dr Jai Narain, Director, Department of Communicable Diseases, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has said that India would face no problem in implementing IHRs as it already notifies all the public health problems and has nothing to hide.

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