International Health Regulations: core capacities assessment at points of entry in Pakistan
Publication date: 2023
The International Health Regulations (IHR) are meant to prevent, protect against, control and respond to the international spread of disease. To achieve this, IHR defines core competencies for points of entry (PoE). Pakistan encompasses a total of 18, international PoE including airports (9), seaports (3) and ground crossings (6), which falls under the administrative control of the Directorate of Central Health Establishment. This study aimed to assess Pakistan's capacity to detect and respond to public health emergencies at designated PoE.
Handbook for public health capacity-building at ground crossings and cross-border collaboration
Publication date: 2020
This handbook follows a comprehensive approach to health system strengthening at borders in order to support International Health Regulations (IHR) national focal points and other national agencies in developing and implementing evidence-based action plans for IHR capacity development at ground crossings. The approach includes the movement of travellers and baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels across ground crossings, as well as the interaction with adjacent border communities. Other factors can be considered, if needed, throughout the risk assessment.
Coordination of public health surveillance between points of entry and the national public health surveillance system: advising principles
Publication date: 2018
This guide aims to support competent authorities in charge of International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 implementation in improving national capacities for the prevention, detection and control of events, by strengthening communications and coordination between Points of Entry (PoE) and the National Public Health Surveillance System (NPHSS). It includes: the IHR requirements and principles regarding public health surveillance and PoE; a list of published regulations and guidance related to public health surveillance at PoE; advising principles for public health surveillance coordination between PoE and the NPHSS; a presentation of the toolbox developed to support the practical strengthening of public health surveillance coordination between PoE and the NPHSS.
Vector surveillance and control at ports, airports and ground crossings
Publication date: 2016
One of the essential elements of the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 is capacity building for vector surveillance and control at points of entry (PoE). The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance to Member States on the practical aspects of maintaining sanitary standards at international borders and PoE (i.e. ports, airports and ground crossings) as prescribed under IHR (Articles 3 & 9).
Handbook for management of public health events on board ships
Publication date: 2016
To assist States Parties in contingency planning and implementation of health measures on board ships or in ports, WHO developed a generic guidance addressing all public health risks and related rules and regulations. According to the International Health Regulations 2005, competent authorities at ports are responsible for responding to events that pose a risk to public health. These events are identified through notifications by ships or other competent authorities, during a ship inspection or even through other informal routes such as media reports. Events may be caused by biological, chemical or radiological agents. Event management involves event identification, verification, risk assessment and response.
Handbook for the management of public health events in air transport
Publication date: 2015
A wide variety of health events ranging in severity may occur related to air transport, requiring different responses or, perhaps, no response at all. The target audience for this guidance document includes the national focal points for the International Health Regulations and public health authorities at points of entry (PoE), as well as national aviation regulatory authorities, airport operators and personnel, aircraft operators, air crew and other stakeholders involved in air transport and emergency preparedness and response to public health events. This document is complementary to other WHO publications addressing risk assessment at a national level, contingency planning at PoE, establishment of capacities and application of emergency plans at the airport level.
Technical note for Ebola preparedness planning for entry screening at airports, ports and land crossings
Publication date: 2014
This document provides recommendations for planning entry screening at points of entry. It was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association. It includes: planning for entry screening; overview of entry screening operations; data management; sample checklists; template declaration; and other forms.
International health regulations (2005): a guide for public health emergency contingency planning at designated points of entry
Publication date: 2012
This guide was designed to assist WHO Member States, both large and small, to bridge the gap between the legal requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, and the pragmatic readiness and response capacity for public health emergencies at designated points of entry (PoE). Under IHR 2005, Member States must comply with the legal requirements set out for designated PoE.
Handbook for inspection of ships and issuance of ship sanitation certificates
Publication date: 2011
This handbook is intended to be used as reference material for port health officers, regulators, ship operators and other competent authorities in charge of implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 at ports and on ships. The handbook is based on the IHR 2005 provisions regarding ship inspection and issue of ship sanitation certificates. They provide guidance for preparing and performing the inspection, completing the certificates and applying public health measures within the framework of the IHR 2005.
Guide to ship sanitation: global reference on health requirements for ship construction and operation
Publication date: 2011
The primary aim of the revised guide to ship sanitation is to present the public health significance of ships in terms of disease and to highlight the importance of applying appropriate control measures. The guide is intended to be used as a basis for the development of national approaches to controlling the hazards that may be encountered on ships, as well as providing a framework for policy-making and local decision-making. The guide may also be used as reference material for regulators, ship operators and ship builders, as well as a checklist for understanding and assessing the potential health impacts of projects involving the design of ships.
Guide to hygiene and sanitation in aviation
Publication date: 2009
The guide addresses water and cleaning and disinfection of facilities with the ultimate goal of assisting all types of airport and aircraft operators and all other responsible bodies in achieving high standards of hygiene and sanitation, to protect travellers and crews engaged in air transport. The two topics are addressed individually, with guidelines that provide procedures and quality specifications that are to be achieved. The guidelines in this document apply to domestic and international air travel for all developed and developing countries.
International health regulations (2005): assessment tool for core capacity requirements at designated airports, ports and ground crossings
Publication date: 2009
This document is intended to serve as a tool to be used to support States Parties in determining existing capacities and capacity needs at points of entry when deciding which airports, ports and ground crossing to designate under Article 20.1 and Annex 1B. States Parties may also use it when deciding which airports, ports and ground crossing to designate under Article 19(a).