Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): International Health Regulations

The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a legally binding set of rules that are designed to help prevent the international spread of disease and to protect global public health. The IHR were adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005, and they apply to all WHO member states.

The IHR contain provisions that outline the responsibilities of member states in relation to public health emergencies, including the notification of public health events of international concern, the establishment of surveillance and response systems, and the implementation of measures to prevent the international spread of disease. The IHR also establish a framework for the WHO to provide technical and financial assistance to member states in response to public health emergencies.

In the healthcare industry, the IHR play an important role in promoting global public health and in helping to prevent the spread of disease across international borders. They are also a key tool for addressing emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola and SARS, and for responding to public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.