GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at addressing threats that intersect public health and security concerns. The agreement was announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva. This framework combines INTERPOL’s expertise in law enforcement with WHO’s leadership in public health initiatives. It establishes collaborative efforts to prevent, identify, and react to hazards that pose a risk to lives worldwide. INTERPOL, with 196 member countries, and WHO, active in more than 150 locations, will work together under this pact.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the increasing link between crime and health issues. He highlighted examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks endanger lives. Urquiza noted that this agreement enhances the agency’s capacity to collaborate with WHO to safeguard communities and bring those responsible for threats to justice. The cooperation was endorsed by INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the partnership will focus on exceptional circumstances demanding joint health and security responses. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether natural, accidental, or intentional. Such situations often require rapid information sharing among law enforcement, health agencies, and emergency responders. Recent warnings from WHO about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that challenge health systems underscore the importance of coordinated cross-border action. The new framework aims to facilitate such responses globally.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
The two entities will also synchronize their efforts regarding large-scale international events and mass gatherings. The goal is to enhance preparedness and response capabilities for health threats in prominent settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security equates to global security. He mentioned that deeper collaboration with INTERPOL strengthens the collective capacity to prevent harm and manage emergencies. Tedros further explained that this partnership aims to shield populations from dangers that compromise health systems and erode public confidence.
A secondary focus of the cooperation involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal. The agreement also addresses the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 resolution of INTERPOL’s General Assembly listed organ trafficking among health-related crimes of shared concern. It also referenced the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The joint efforts are designed to enable authorities to identify these crimes sooner and to support investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Addressing Falsified Medicines and Tobacco Control
This partnership also targets the increasing issue of illegal goods that impact public health directly. These include counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and unauthorized personal protective equipment. It also covers unsafe or mislabelled food and beverages, along with illicit alcohol production. In 2017, WHO estimated that roughly 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income nations was either substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 samples from 88 countries.
Joint efforts will also promote the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Since its enforcement on February 27, 2005, the treaty has been signed by 183 parties. Through combined initiatives, INTERPOL and WHO aim to assist nations in recognizing these threats and safeguarding consumers. They will also bolster international frameworks intended to enhance public safety. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly will take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.
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