International Health Regulations (IHR) Strengthening project

The DHSC ODA-funded International Health Regulations Strengthening Project (IHR-S) provides peer to peer technical expertise through the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to support public health partners to prepare, prevent, detect and respond to global health threats and increase compliance with the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). Compliance with IHR (2005) is fundamental as infectious disease outbreaks are expected to become more frequent in the future and preparedness is necessary to reduce health threats both internationally and within the UK. Lack of compliance to meet IHR (2005) requirements places countries under greater risk from disease outbreaks and other health emergencies, and has potentially wider implications on a global scale, as evidenced by the spread of Covid-19. IHR (2005) includes 13 technical areas such as surveillance, laboratories and points of entry as focal points to support countries to prevent, detect and respond to health threats. The IHR Strengthening Project has three key aims: to build technical capability, to strengthen leadership, systems and workforces, as well as to develop sustainable public health systems. IHR-S works bilaterally with four priority partner countries and three regions [including Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Zambia, Africa (primarily through Africa CDC), the Eastern Mediterranean and Indo Pacific regions]. Over the course of this project the UK will work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help it fulfil its leadership role in implementing the IHR and in responding to global public health emergencies. The project will work intimately with national governments, development partners and with regional and sub-regional agencies to deliver its support. This support will be coordinated with support from other donors, ensuring it adds value and is sustainable, identifies and responds to gaps, complements support from others and aligns behind nationally identified priorities. Implementation of UK support will be led by Public Health England, but may include contracting and working through UN agencies where appropriate and where this will maximise value for money.