Which organization is responsible for declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the organization responsible for declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This designation is significant because it prompts a coordinated international response to mitigate the spread of diseases that threaten global health. The WHO assesses the severity, spread, and impact of a health threat, and if it meets certain criteria, it can declare a PHEIC, which alerts countries and their health systems to prepare and respond effectively.

This ability to declare a PHEIC is part of the International Health Regulations (IHR), a legally binding agreement among WHO member states. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and preparedness in addressing health threats that transcend national borders.

Other organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), play critical roles in managing public health in the United States but do not have the authority to make declarations at the international level, such as a PHEIC. The actions of the WHO in this capacity can lead to increased surveillance, research, and funding to tackle emerging health crises globally.