GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at addressing threats that intersect public health and security issues. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, the agreement combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s expertise in public health. It establishes a joint framework to prevent, detect, and respond to risks that threaten lives globally. While INTERPOL serves 196 member countries, WHO operates across more than 150 locations.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing link between crime and health. He highlighted issues such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as examples of how criminal networks jeopardize lives. Urquiza noted that this agreement enhances the agency’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities. Additionally, he mentioned that it would assist in bringing those responsible for such threats to justice. The cooperation was endorsed by INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the accord concentrates on exceptional scenarios requiring synchronized health and security efforts. These include cases involving the suspected illicit use of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether occurring naturally, accidentally, or intentionally. Such incidents frequently necessitate rapid information exchange among police, health authorities, and emergency responders. Recent warnings from WHO have pointed to rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that strain healthcare systems. The new framework aims to facilitate cross-border coordination for such responses.
Focus on major events and organ trafficking
Both organizations will also align their efforts concerning large-scale international gatherings and major events. The goal is to bolster countries’ preparedness and response capabilities for health threats in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared that health security is a matter of global security. He stated that increased collaboration with INTERPOL enhances the collective ability to prevent harm and effectively manage emergencies. Tedros further added that this partnership aims to shield populations from risks that compromise health systems and public confidence.
A secondary focus of the agreement involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal purposes. It also covers the illegal trade of human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 resolution from INTERPOL’s General Assembly recognized organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. The resolution also highlighted the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The joint efforts are intended to help authorities identify such crimes earlier and facilitate investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Addressing falsified medicines and tobacco control initiatives
The agreement additionally targets the rising issue of illicit goods that directly threaten public health, including counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and falsified personal protective equipment. It also encompasses unsafe or fraudulently labeled food, beverages, and illegally produced alcohol. In 2017, WHO estimated that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was either substandard or falsified, based on an analysis of 48,000 medicine samples from 88 countries.
Furthermore, cooperation will support the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This treaty, which came into force on February 27, 2005, now has 183 parties. By working together, INTERPOL and WHO aim to help nations identify these threats and safeguard consumers. They will also strengthen international measures designed to ensure public safety. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.