GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at addressing overlapping threats to public health and security. The two entities revealed this accord on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva. The arrangement combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s leadership in public health to establish joint measures for preventing, identifying, and managing risks that threaten lives around the world. INTERPOL, representing 196 member countries, and WHO, active across more than 150 locations, will work together under this framework.
Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General, emphasized the growing links between crime and health issues. He cited examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations to illustrate how criminal networks endanger lives. Urquiza noted that this agreement enhances the agency’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and bringing perpetrators to justice. The cooperation was endorsed by INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the agreement concentrates on exceptional situations requiring coordinated health and security responses. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, along with unusual biological events, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or intentional. Such cases often necessitate rapid exchange of information between police, health authorities, and emergency responders. Recently, WHO has raised concerns over rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that challenge healthcare systems. The new framework aims to facilitate cross-border coordination in these responses.
Focus on major events and organ trafficking
Their joint efforts will also encompass preparations for large international gatherings and significant events, enabling countries to better respond to potential health threats in such high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security constitutes a part of global security. He highlighted that enhanced collaboration with INTERPOL strengthens collective capacity to prevent harm and effectively manage emergencies. Tedros also emphasized that this partnership aims to safeguard populations from risks that could undermine health systems and public confidence.
Another key area of cooperation involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal purposes. The agreement addresses the illicit trade of human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL identified organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern, alongside the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Collaborative efforts will assist national authorities in identifying these crimes sooner and conducting investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Addressing counterfeit medicines and tobacco regulation
The pact also tackles the increasing danger posed by illegal goods impacting public health directly, such as falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and counterfeit personal protective equipment. It further covers unsafe or mislabeled food and beverages, as well as illicitly produced alcohol. WHO’s 2017 estimate indicated that roughly 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries were substandard or falsified, based on 48,000 medicine samples from 88 nations.
Cooperation will also facilitate the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which started on February 27, 2005, and now has 183 parties. Through joint initiatives, INTERPOL and WHO aim to help countries identify these threats, protect consumers, and strengthen international protocols to ensure safety. The upcoming 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.