Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) (Resolution)

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ R E S O L U T I O N REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC COMITE RÉGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL WPR/RC63.R6 27 September 2012 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (2005) The Regional Committee, Recalling resolutions WHA61.2 and WHA65.23 on Implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR), resolution WPR/RC58.R3 on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, IHR (2005) and the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED 2005), and WPR/RC61.R5 on the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (2010) and IHR (2005); Aware that the deadline for Member States to meet the IHR core capacity requirements was 15 June 2012, and that only in exceptional situations, and supported by a new implementation plan, extensions to the deadline may be obtained for 2014, taking into account the technical advice of the IHR Review Committee; Commending a joint effort made by Member States, WHO, donors and partners over the past five years in ensuring good progress in developing the national capacities and in meeting IHR core capacity requirements in the Western Pacific Region through APSED (2005); Recognizing efforts by technical programmes to contribute to IHR (2005) core capacity strengthening through implementation of strategies and activities such as those relating to food safety and environmental health; …/ WPR/RC63.R6 page 2 Noting the challenging time frame for meeting IHR core capacity requirements and the fact that many countries, including 14 countries in the Western Pacific Region, have requested an extension of the 15 June 2012 deadline, reiterating their commitment to meet IHR core capacity requirements by 15 June 2014; Recognizing the commitments made by Member States and WHO in further enhancing the national and regional core capacities through a consultative process of developing and implementing APSED (2010) and other technical activities; Noting the development or update of national workplans for emerging diseases and public health emergencies, including the use of the APSED (2010) Workplan as a guide or tool and other technical activities, in line with IHR (2005); Aware that regional IHR implementation requires further efforts and collaboration among governments, WHO, donors and technical partners, and that subregional and regional forums, including the Asia Pacific Technical Advisory Group on APSED (2010), facilitate regional progress monitoring, prioritization of country and regional activities and coordinated efforts; Reconfirming the unique opportunities in using the global IHR monitoring tool and in implementing APSED (2010) and other technical activities to meet the IHR (2005) core capacity requirements, and the need for a tailored approach for Pacific island countries and areas; Recognizing the importance of enhancing and sustaining a regional system for public health event and emergency management through collective efforts and participation of the countries and areas of the Region, …/ WPR/RC63.R6 page 3 1. REAFFIRMS its commitment to implement APSED (2010) and its workplan as a key tool, supplemented by other technical and institutional strategies and activities, to help meet and maintain IHR core capacity requirements; 2. URGES Member States: (1) to further invest and mobilize financial and technical resources to ensure effective implementation of updated national plans for emerging diseases and public health emergencies; (2) to establish and enhance regular stakeholder planning and review processes as a sustainable mechanism for national core capacity monitoring and programme improvement, and to utilize the core capacity monitoring questionnaire and indicators; (3) to strengthen subregional and regional collaboration and approaches to meet IHR core capacity development needs, including a tailored approach for the Pacific; 3. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to further advocate and facilitate compliance with IHR (2005) including through implementation of APSED (2010) and other technical strategies and activities, such as the Western Pacific Regional Food Safety Strategy 2011–2015; (2) to support countries in their implementation of national workplans for emerging diseases and public health emergencies through provision of technical and financial assistance; …/ WPR/RC63.R6 page 4 (3) to facilitate support among Member States and across relevant sectors; (4) to facilitate monitoring and reporting of IHR (2005) implementation through utilization of the core capacity monitoring tools and indicators, and the regional and subregional mechanisms. Sixth meeting, 27 September 2012