GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL has entered into a cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization to jointly combat threats that intersect public health and security concerns. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, this partnership combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s expertise in public health. The framework aims to coordinate efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to risks that threaten lives worldwide. INTERPOL, with 196 member countries, and WHO, active in over 150 locations, are now working together under this initiative.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the increasing connection between crime and health, citing examples such as the circulation of counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks endanger lives. Urquiza emphasized that this agreement enhances the agency’s ability to collaborate with WHO to safeguard communities. He also stated that it will facilitate the pursuit of justice against those who threaten public safety. The cooperation deal received backing from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session held in Glasgow.
Initially, the agreement prioritizes exceptional situations requiring synchronized health and security responses. These include incidents involving the suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive materials, as well as unusual biological events, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. Such cases often necessitate rapid information exchange among law enforcement, health authorities, and emergency responders. Recent warnings from WHO about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks underscore the importance of coordinated cross-border responses. The new framework is designed to streamline these efforts across nations.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
Both organizations will also synchronize their efforts in managing major international gatherings and events. The goal is to prepare for and effectively respond to potential health threats in settings with high visibility. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security is a matter of global security. He added that enhanced collaboration with INTERPOL strengthens the collective capacity to prevent harm and address emergencies. Tedros further mentioned that this partnership aims to shield individuals from threats that undermine health systems and public confidence.
A secondary focus of the cooperation involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal. The agreement also addresses the illegal trade of human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL identified organ trafficking among health-related crimes of mutual concern, alongside the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Joint efforts will help authorities detect such crimes sooner, and bolster investigations to ensure offenders are held accountable.
Counterfeit Medicines and Tobacco Control Initiatives
The pact also confronts the rising threat posed by illicit goods that directly impact public health. This includes falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, counterfeit personal protective equipment, unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, and illegally produced alcohol. WHO’s 2017 estimate suggested that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries were substandard or falsified, based on 48,000 medicine samples from 88 countries. The partnership will further support the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has 183 parties since coming into force on February 27, 2005. Through collaborative efforts, INTERPOL and WHO aim to help nations identify these hazards and protect consumers. They will also reinforce international measures designed to ensure public safety. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.