GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have entered into a collaborative agreement aimed at tackling issues where public health concerns intersect with security threats. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, this partnership combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s leadership in public health. The framework outlines joint initiatives to prevent, identify, and respond to risks that threaten lives on a global scale. While INTERPOL serves 196 member countries, WHO’s presence spans more than 150 locations worldwide.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the increasing links between crime and health, citing examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks endanger lives. He stated that this new agreement enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and advancing justice against those who pose these threats. Furthermore, the General Assembly of INTERPOL endorsed this cooperation with WHO during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the accord prioritizes exceptional circumstances that necessitate coordinated health and security responses, including cases involving the suspected illegal use of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological incidents—whether they occur naturally, accidentally, or intentionally. These situations often require rapid information exchange between law enforcement agencies, health ministries, and emergency responders. Recently, WHO has issued warnings about increasing cholera fatalities and other outbreaks that burden health systems, making the ability to connect responses across borders all the more critical. This new framework aims to facilitate such cross-border cooperation.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
The two organizations will also synchronize their efforts concerning large-scale international events and mass gatherings, with the goal of equipping countries to better prepare for and manage potential health crises in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked that health security is an integral part of global security, and that enhanced collaboration with INTERPOL will strengthen the collective capacity to prevent harm and effectively respond to emergencies. Tedros highlighted that this partnership is vital in safeguarding populations from threats that compromise health systems and erode public confidence.
Another key area of cooperation involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal purposes, which is also addressed in the agreement, alongside the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL specifically listed organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. The same resolution pointed to the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Joint initiatives aim to assist national authorities in detecting such crimes sooner and supporting investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Counterfeit Medicines and Tobacco Control Efforts Expanded
The pact also tackles the increasing danger posed by illicit products that directly impact public health, including falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, counterfeit personal protective equipment, and unsafe or fraudulently labelled food and beverages, as well as illegally produced alcohol. In 2017, WHO estimated that about 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was substandard or falsified, based on testing 48,000 medicine samples from 88 nations. The partnership will additionally support the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force on February 27, 2005, and has since gained 183 parties. Through their joint efforts, INTERPOL and WHO aim to assist countries in identifying these threats and safeguarding consumers, while reinforcing international frameworks designed to enhance public safety. INTERPOL is scheduled to host the 94th session of its General Assembly in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.