NEW DELHI: With revised International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 coming into effect from Friday, all member States will report to the World Health Organisation (WHO) within 24 hours in the event of outbreak of any disease or public health emergency of international concern. India is a signatory to the new regulations.

The new IHR will come into effect within the two-year target set by the 58th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2005.

The updated version will give maximum security against spread of diseases and public health emergencies while ensuring minimum interference in international travel and trade.

To comply with the timely notification provision, the member-States have pledged specific obligations, such as nomination of a national focal point that can liaise on all matters pertaining to the IHR with the respective sectors of the national government and respond to the WHO's process of notification and verification.

The member-States are required to immediately assess the core capabilities at all levels of their health system.

Strengthened

The relevant parts of the health system must be strengthened so that they could detect, diagnose, notify and take appropriate control and preventive measures.

In addition, they are expected to initiate the designation of airports, seaports and ground crossings where any disease could enter or leave the country.

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