Abstract
Highlights • The International Health Regulations, or IHR (2005), establishes timely communication between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Member States to manage acute public health events and protect health security. Experiences of the WHO IHR contact point for the Western Pacific Region demonstrated the communication mechanism has achieved its functions in the Region. • Investment in IHR communication as part of the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED III) during peaceful times between public health emergencies builds capacity, confidence and trust in information sharing during emergencies. • IHR communication is integral to the national, regional and global epidemic intelligence and risk assessments system. • Regular simulation exercises (for example, IHR Exercise Crystal) play an important role in testing and strengthening IHR communication. • IHR communication continues to be vital for Member States and WHO Country Offices to advise on health security
Highlights
International Health Regulations (IHR) communication continues to be vital for Member States and World Health Organization (WHO) Country Offices to advise on health security
We summarized the types of events posted on Event Information Site (EIS) and the scopes, objectives and results of IHR Exercise Crystal from 2008 to 2016
IHR event communication has been used for sharing information with WHO on events that do not constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)
Summary
Validate IHR verification process; test the WHO guide on IHR communication and Duty Officer System. B. Test the WHO guide on IHR communication and Duty Officer System. C. Improve the engagement of WHO country offices in facilitating communication. In October 2014, in response to the global Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic, an Ebola simulation exercise and an Ebola preparedness survey were conducted in addition to the regular IHR Exercise Crystal.[7] Twentythree countries participated in the exercise that simulated the scenario of an imported case of EVD. The majority of the countries were able to complete the expected actions, including sharing national EVD guidelines and response plans, providing technical advice on contact tracing, case management and patient transportation and drafting a press release. The exercise identified specimen referral as an area for improvement
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
