The International Health Regulations (2005) require Member States to establish a functional National IHR Focal Point; whom is to play a vital role in IHR event related communications within the country and with WHO. The IHR (2005) also require Member States to develop, strengthen and maintain their national core capacities for surveillance and response as well as for designated points of entry. Since June 2007, Member States have been taking necessary actions to comply with the IHR obligations, including national core capacity strengthening. The successful implementation of these regulations will contribute significantly to enhance national, regional and international public health security.
The objectives of the 2nd Meeting of Pacific National Focal Points for the International Health Regulations are:
(1) To review progress and identify next steps in:
- Strengthening and maintaining the minimum required functions of a National IHR Focal Point;
- APSED/IHR assessment and work plan development;
- Capacity building on outbreak detection and response
(2) To discuss and explore the approaches for establishing a hospital-based surveillance for emerging infectious diseases in the Pacific