How will the IHR (2005) affect international travel and trade and individual travellers?
International travel and trade The extent of international travel in the modern world presents an extraordinary opportunity for international disease transmission. Global trade has implications in terms of potential foodborne disease or other contaminated goods. While health measures to control disease spread at borders remain one important element of the Regulations, evidence shows that rapid response at the source is the most effective way to secure maximum protection against international spread of diseases. One of the objectives of the IHR (2005) is to minimize unnecessary restrictions to travel and trade by specifying, in real-time, the appropriate public health measures for the assessed risk. WHO’s neutral expert guidance in assessing and controlling public health risks is key to limiting unnecessary restrictions on trade and travel. During a public health emergency of international concern, however, application of time-limited measures affecting international travel and trade ma
