GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at tackling threats where health concerns intersect with security issues. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, this agreement combines INTERPOL’s expertise in law enforcement with WHO’s leadership in public health. The framework outlines joint initiatives to prevent, identify, and respond to risks that threaten lives across the globe. INTERPOL, which has 196 member countries, and WHO, active in more than 150 locations worldwide, will collaborate closely under this arrangement.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the increasing links between crime and health, citing examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks put lives at risk. He emphasized that the agreement enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to work alongside WHO in safeguarding communities. Urquiza also noted that this cooperation will facilitate bringing perpetrators to justice. The partnership received backing from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
The initial focus of the agreement is on extraordinary situations requiring a coordinated response from health and security sectors. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events, whether natural, accidental, or intentional. Rapid sharing of information among police, health ministries, and emergency responders is often crucial in these cases. Recent warnings from WHO about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that strain health systems underline the importance of cross-border responses. The new partnership aims to connect these efforts globally.
Focus on major events and organ trafficking issues
The two agencies will also work together to prepare for and respond to large international gatherings and major events. This collaboration is designed to assist nations in managing health risks in settings where large crowds gather. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security is a matter of global security. He added that strengthening cooperation with INTERPOL enhances collective efforts to prevent harm and manage emergencies. Tedros further explained that this partnership aims to shield populations from threats that undermine health systems and public trust.
Another key area of joint effort involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal. The agreement also targets illicit trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. At its 2024 General Assembly, INTERPOL recognized organ trafficking as a health-related crime of shared concern, alongside the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Collaborative work will help authorities detect these crimes sooner and facilitate investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Addressing counterfeit medicines and tobacco control initiatives
The agreement further tackles the rising threat posed by illegal goods impacting public health directly. This includes counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, as well as fake personal protective equipment. It also encompasses unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages and illegally produced alcohol. WHO estimated in 2017 that roughly 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.
The partnership will also aid the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force on February 27, 2005, and currently has 183 parties. Through joint efforts, INTERPOL and WHO seek to help nations identify these health threats and safeguard consumers. They will also bolster the international frameworks designed to ensure safety. INTERPOL is scheduled to hold its 94th General Assembly session in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.