Global Health Law Research Guide

The International Health Regulations are binding legal instruments to address cross border public health risks. The original 1969 IHR addressed only cholera, plague, and yellow fever; the 2005 revision broadened the scope to any public health emergency of international concern. The regulations are intended to direct responses to public health threats without disrupting international trade and traffic. For quick info on the regulations, consult this WHO’s International Health Regulations page.

• The full text of the International Health Regulations (2005) 3rd ed. are available as a PDF.
• A few countries submitted reservations, declarations, or other communication regarding acceptance of the IHR.
  • Review and Approval of Proposed Amendments to the International Health Regulations
  • United States note verbale to WHO dated 13 December 2006 from the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
  • Second U.S. comments on 2005 revision of the IHR (via Internet Archive)
  • The United States statement on adoption of the IHR (via Internet Archive).
• Also see the documentation of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Revision of the International Health Regulations (2004–2005).