Taiwan: Included in WHO Crises Protocol
The World Health Organization’s Assistant Director General has told journalists that
Below is an article published by the International Herald Tribune:
The World Health Organization said Thursday [14 June 2007] it will work with
A revision of the rules, known as the International Health Regulations, comes into force Friday [15 June 2007], obliging WHO members to strengthen their detection and response to public health risks that could spread internationally.
"We work with the government of
At present, all official communication between WHO and the self-ruled island must be addressed to
WHO officials said Thursday [14 June 2007] that representatives from
"We do not intend to leave any country or area out of representation for the International Health Regulations," Tee Ah Sian, WHO director of communicable disease control in its Western Pacific Region office, told a news conference.
"Communication between WHO and
Countries are allowed five years under the updated International Health Regulations to develop their capacities, but they can have an extension.
The plan calls for countries to notify WHO of all events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern. It also requires inspection and control activities at designated international airports, ports and border crossings to prevent the spread of diseases.
"When these International Health Regulations are implemented ... they will ensure the world of having public health security," Heymann said.
He said the WHO will also form partnerships with various nongovernment and government groups to help poorer countries that have difficulty in creating the infrastructure to deal with international medical emergencies.