International Health Regulations

The purpose and scope of the International Health Regulations (2005) are "to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade." Because the IHR (2005) are not limited to specific diseases but apply to new and ever-changing public health risks, they are intended to have long lasting relevance in the international response to the emergence and spread of disease. The IHR (2005) also provide the legal basis for important health documents applicable to international airports, ports, and ground crossings.