Press Release: International Health Regulations – Commission calls for proactive implementation, particularly on flu aspects

The European Commission has adopted a Communication on the revised International Health Regulations 2005 (the IHR). Due to enter into force in June 2007, the IHR is an important legal instrument which aims to prevent and control the international spread of disease, while avoiding unnecessary interference with traffic and trade. Today’s Communication discusses early application of flu-related aspects, as proposed by the World Health Assembly; clarifies the EU role in IHR implementation and recalls the limits the IHR places on national policy responses. The Communication is intended to stimulate Member States to develop and share their own plans for implementing these important regulations.