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Abstract #167022

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Ruth Jajosky, DMD, MPH, Division of Integrated Surveillance Systems and Services, CDC, National Center for Public Health Informatics, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Mailstop E-91, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404.498.6274, RJajosky@cdc.hhs.gov

Effective July 18, 2007, the United States and other WHO member countries have agreed to abide by a new set of International Health Regulations (IHRs). The IHRs are an international legal framework to help countries assess, manage, and share information about serious health threats that might spread beyond their borders to other parts of the world. In this most recent revision to the IHRs since 1981, member countries must notify WHO of "public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC)," enhance management of events—especially alert and response actions—and meet minimum core capacities in surveillance and response.

To comply with these revised regulations, federal agencies and state and local public health officials will need to work closely together. Dr. Jajosky will address these questions: What are the IHRs? Why do we need them? What are the key changes from the previous regulations? How will federal, state, and local public health officials work together to comply with the new IHRs?

Learning Objectives:

• Describe why the IHRs are important to prevent the global spread of disease—and to minimize effects on trade and travel.
• Recognize the expanded requirements for reporting events and specific diseases under the IHRs.
• Recognize the framework of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC).
• Analyze the effect of the IHRs on state and local public health agencies.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Slides (pdf) or Handout