Sound legal and policy frameworks are key enablers in ensuring effective prevention, detection, and response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern and other public health risks. The International Health Regulations, developed in 2005, is a legally binding instrument requiring States to develop core capacities for rapid detection of and response to public health emergencies such as COVID-19. However, public health experts have consistently pointed out that a generalized lack of compliance by national governments with the International Health Regulations has exacerbated the spread of diseases, including in the COVID-19 crisis.
IDLO, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is implementing a self-funded project that aims to strengthen legal and policy frameworks to prevent, detect and promptly respond to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern and other public health risks, including COVID-19. Under the project, IDLO will undertake a participatory gap analysis of the national legal and policy pandemic preparedness and response frameworks in selected pilot countries, and then deliver capacity development and technical assistance upon request to support the identified legal and policy reforms.
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