What are the WHO Terms for a Disease to be Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?
As a student of public health with a focus on global health and infectious diseases, my expertise is not in-depth in this specific domain. However, based on my understanding, the World Health Organization (WHO) declares a disease outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) when the outbreak or public health event poses significant health risks beyond the borders of the affected country and often requires a coordinated international response.
The Framework and Criteria for Declaring a PHEIC
The WHO has established a set of international rules known as the International Health Regulations (IHR). The IHR governs the global prevention and control of infectious diseases, including specific criteria for declaring a PHEIC.
One key aspect is the role of the IHR Emergency Committee. This special committee of experts evaluates whether an event constitutes a PHEIC. They make recommendations on the appropriate measures to be taken and continue to provide guidance throughout the event.
Criteria for Declaring a PHEIC
For a disease outbreak to be declared a PHEIC, it must meet several critical criteria:
1. Sufficiently Serious toconstitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
A significant threat to public health at the international level means that the outbreak can result in rapid international spread and severe public health impact. The disease must have the potential to spread globally and can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
2. Novel or Emergent
The disease should be new or previously unrecognized, posing challenges in terms of surveillance, prevention, and control measures. This novelty may lead to public perception and anxiety, making an international response necessary.
3. International Spread
The disease must have spread beyond the borders of the affected country, requiring international cooperation and resources to contain it. This includes the movement of persons, pathogens, or vectors across borders, leading to potential widespread outbreaks.
4. Public Health Risks that May Require Coordination at International Level
The outbreak should pose challenges that extend beyond the capabilities of the affected country, necessitating a coordinated international response. This includes the mobilization of international resources, expertise, and coordination of efforts to address the public health crisis.
Current PHEIC Events
As of the knowledge cut-off date, there are currently two ongoing PHEIC events:
1. Polio Outbreak in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria
The polio outbreak in these countries presents significant health risks and requires a coordinated international response to prevent further spread. The outbreak poses challenges in terms of eradication efforts, surveillance, and immunization programs.
2. Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to pose a significant threat to public health. The virus has spread across borders and requires a robust international response, including financial support, technical expertise, and containment measures.
Conclusion
Declaring a disease a PHEIC is a critical decision that underscores the importance of global public health cooperation. The WHO's IHR framework ensures that decisions are made based on scientific evidence and involve a multidisciplinary approach. Understanding and contributing to the efforts in managing PHEIC events is crucial for protecting global health security.
By following and supporting the guidelines established by the WHO, we can work towards preventing and managing global health emergencies effectively.