Health

What does “International Gesundheitsnotstand”?

The world health organization has given the rapid spread of Zika Virus international Gesundheitsnotstand proclaimed. But, what exactly does that mean?

Because of the Zika epidemic has the Advisory Board of the world health organization (WHO) on Tuesday the international Gesundheitsnotstand announced the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
announced.

In 2014 had the WHO the
The Ebola epidemic and the swine flu as an international Gesundheitsnotstand classified as well as in 2009 the spread of Polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan: #ZikaVirus & #microcephaly situation is a Public Health Emergency of Intl Concern #alert

— WHO (@WHO) 1. February 2016

What is it an international emergency?

The regulations for the international Gesundheitsnotstand were already in 1969 by the WHO decided. Therefore, it must for this step as “an extraordinary event”, the risk of the international spread of a disease “public health risk” for a number of countries to be threatened and, therefore, a “coordinated international response” is required.

Who decides?

The decision will be made by a convened Notstandskomitee, the “IHR (International Health Regulations) Emergency Committee met.

The Committee comprises international experts together – for example, from representatives of the disease control, Virology, vaccine development or infectious diseases. The WHO Director – General- currently Margaret Chan, – designate the members of the
Notstandskomitees. At least one member should, however, of the state chosen, in which the event occurred.

What are the consequences?

The Notstandskomitee judged, whether it is a health emergency of international concern.

There are temporary recommendations to affected countries or areas should be taken. Also, can other States be requested, measures the spread of the pathogen or of its Messenger to prevent that from happening.

These include, for example, quarantine measures – such as the closure of borders or any restrictions in international travel. So it was with the Ebola epidemic the case.

The world health organization emphasised, however, that currently there is no reason for General travel advisories or restrictions in trade give.

However, now Pregnant women in the affected countries are medically observed, the diagnostic methods for Zika and Mikrozephalie standardized and the
Mosquito combat to be strengthened

The classification of Zika as an international Gesundheitsnotfall in particular is also a Wake-up call, the world’s experts, the pharmaceutical industry and funders to achieve. “The will is important, and also the financial boost,” said a spokesman for the world health organization. Because many questions around the since decades well-known Virus are still unanswered.

If and when the international Gesundheitsnotstand finished can be judged again the Notstandskomitee. It gives its recommendation to the WHO Director-General.