Public health emergency of international concern
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is a formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is used to bring attention to an extraordinary event that is determined to constitute a public health risk to other countries through the international spread of disease, and potentially require a coordinated international response.
Pronunciation
Public Health Emergency of International Concern: /ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi ɒv ˌɪntəˈnaʃənəl kənˈsɜːn/
Etymology
The term "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" is a phrase that was first used by the World Health Organization in the 2005 revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR). The term is used to describe a situation that is serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected; carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and may require immediate international action.
Related Terms
- Epidemic: An outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many individuals at the same time.
- Pandemic: An epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.
- World Health Organization: The directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.
- International Health Regulations: A legally binding instrument of international law that aims to a) assist countries to work together to save lives and livelihoods endangered by the spread of diseases and other health risks, and b) avoid unnecessary interference with international trade and travel.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.