GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have entered into a formal cooperation agreement aimed at addressing risks at the nexus of public health and security. This framework combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s leadership in health to enhance efforts in preventing, detecting, and responding to dangers that threaten human safety. WHO announced this accord on October 16 through a statement issued from Geneva and Lyon. The agreement encompasses health emergencies, large gatherings, organ trafficking, illicit commodities, and tobacco regulation.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing link between crime and health issues. He pointed out that falsified medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations are among the risks posed by criminal organizations. Urquiza stated that the pact enhances INTERPOL’s collaboration with WHO to safeguard communities and bring those responsible for such threats to justice. With 196 member countries, INTERPOL is the world’s largest international law enforcement agency, managing global police databases and providing forensic, analytical, and training support.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked that health security is an integral part of global security. He added that strengthening cooperation with INTERPOL will reinforce collective efforts to prevent harm and effectively respond to crises. Tedros also highlighted that the partnership aims to protect populations from risks that compromise health systems and erode public confidence. WHO, as a United Nations health agency operating in more than 150 locations, will connect its extensive health network with INTERPOL’s policing channels through this agreement.
Focus on emergency response and mass event preparedness
Initially, the agreement concentrates on exceptional situations requiring coordinated health and security responses. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events, whether natural, accidental, or intentional. Rapid information exchange between health officials and law enforcement is crucial in these scenarios. The framework is designed to facilitate such joint responses. Additionally, WHO has issued warnings about rising cholera deaths in recent years, illustrating the rapid escalation of health emergencies.
Furthermore, the two entities will coordinate efforts surrounding large-scale international events and mass gatherings. Their goal is to enhance preparedness and response capabilities for potential health threats during events that attract significant crowds. These include major sporting, religious, and cultural gatherings held in confined spaces. The draft agreement was approved by INTERPOL’s General Assembly at its 92nd session in Glasgow in November 2024, with authorization granted to the Secretary General to sign it.
Addressing organ trafficking and illegal goods
A second key area of collaboration targets the illegal trafficking of individuals for organ removal, along with the illicit trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The agreement also tackles the distribution of counterfeit products that pose a direct threat to public health. WHO has identified falsified medicines, vaccines, and medical devices among these dangerous items. Counterfeit protective gear, unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, and illegally produced alcohol are also covered. Authorities have warned that criminal groups are employing new methods to expand their fraudulent and illicit activities.
Collaboration will also aid in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Initiated in 2005, the treaty now has over 180 parties. By working together, INTERPOL and WHO aim to assist nations in identifying these threats and safeguarding consumers. They also intend to bolster international frameworks designed to enhance safety. No specific timeline has been announced for the first joint operations, but the agreement establishes a formal basis for law enforcement and health authorities to collaborate on cross-border threats.