ABOUT IHR (2005)
The International Health Regulations (2005), or IHR (2005), are legally-binding international regulations that aim to enhance countries’ ability to cooperate in saving lives and livelihoods endangered by the spread of diseases and other health risks.
The purpose and scope of IHR (2005) are to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are proportionate to public health risks and avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.
Compliance with IHR (2005) requires Jamaica to develop and maintain specific core capacities to detect, report, and respond to public health threats, including biological, chemical, and radiological hazards, especially at points of entry.
For more information, visit the WHO International Health Regulations page.
CORE CAPACITIES
Under IHR (2005), there are 15 core capacities:
- Policy, legal and normative instruments: Countries should align their regulatory frameworks with IHR (2005) to support implementation across relevant sectors.
- IHR Coordination and Focal Point functions: Establish central structures to manage communications with WHO and coordinate multi-sectoral efforts.
- Financing: Ensure budgetary mechanisms exist for funding IHR capacities across sectors.
- Laboratory: Equip laboratories with resources to test priority threats and support surveillance and response.
- Surveillance: Continuously improve detection, risk assessment, notification, and response to threats, including emerging diseases.
- Human Resources: Ensure skilled staff are available nationally with provisions for surge capacity.
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Develop and maintain national all-hazard preparedness and response programs.
- Health Services Provision: Strengthen systems to maintain essential health services during emergencies.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Establish systems to ensure safe healthcare practices.
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement: Strengthen mechanisms for effective risk communication and engage the public.
- Points of Entry: Improve capacity for surveillance and response at ports, airports, and ground crossings.
- Zoonotic Events: Enable early detection and response to animal-human transmissible diseases.
- Food Safety: Enhance response to foodborne risks of national or international concern.
- Chemical Events: Build capacity to respond to chemical threats affecting health and the environment.
- Radiation Emergencies: Ensure equipment and personnel are in place for radiological and nuclear threats.
IHR (2005) – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the International Health Regulations (2005)?
- They help countries collaborate to protect lives and livelihoods from disease and health risks.
- They aim to minimize unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.
How did the International Health Regulations (2005) come about?
The IHR originated as the International Sanitary Regulations in 1851. Due to cholera outbreaks in Europe (1930 and 1947), they evolved into IHR (1969). In response to emerging diseases, global outbreaks, and lack of coordination, IHR (2005) was adopted.
Amendments were made in 2024 (effective Sept 2025), based on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic:
- New definition of a “pandemic emergency”
- Mechanism to officially declare a pandemic emergency
- Countries must establish a National IHR Authority
- Creation of a financing coordination mechanism for IHR core capacities
Which countries do the IHR apply to?
The IHR (2005) have been in force since 15 June 2007 and are currently binding on 196 countries, including Jamaica.
Who is responsible for implementing IHR (2005) in Jamaica?
The Government of Jamaica is responsible, with the Ministry of Health & Wellness (Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services Branch) serving as the National IHR Focal Point. Implementation requires a multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary approach.
The WHO monitors global implementation, conducts surveillance, and provides technical assistance to member states, including Jamaica.
How will the implementation of IHR (2005) impact Jamaica?
- Enhanced ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
- Strengthened protection of human rights, dignity, and freedoms.
- Greater confidence and protection for health workers.
- Improved national health system through integration of IHR capacities.
- Contribution to global public health and international cooperation.