GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at countering threats that intersect public health and security concerns. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, this agreement combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s expertise in public health. The framework outlines joint initiatives to prevent, identify, and react swiftly to risks that threaten lives globally. INTERPOL, which has 196 member countries, and WHO, operating in over 150 locations, will work together under this new cooperation.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the increasing links between crime and health issues. He cited examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as evidence of how criminal networks jeopardize human safety. Urquiza highlighted that this agreement enhances the organization’s ability to collaborate with WHO to safeguard communities worldwide. He also stated that it will facilitate the pursuit of those who pose threats to public health. The cooperation deal received backing from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the agreement prioritizes extraordinary circumstances requiring coordinated health and security measures. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether naturally occurring, accidental, or intentional. Such cases often demand rapid information exchange among police, health authorities, and emergency responders. Recent warnings from WHO about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks underscore the importance of cross-border response efforts. The new framework aims to connect these efforts across different nations more effectively.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
Part of the collaboration involves managing health risks during large international gatherings and significant events. This initiative seeks to help countries better prepare for and respond to health emergencies in settings with high public visibility. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed that health security is a matter of global security. He noted that working more closely with INTERPOL enhances collective efforts to prevent harm and effectively manage crises. Tedros further stated that this partnership will help shield populations from threats that can weaken health infrastructure and erode public confidence.
A secondary focus of the cooperation is tackling the illegal trade of human organs, specifically organ trafficking. The agreement encompasses the illicit exchange of organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 resolution from INTERPOL’s General Assembly identified organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. The same resolution also highlighted the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Collaborative efforts are expected to enable authorities to detect such crimes earlier and conduct investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Countering Falsified Medications and Tobacco Issues
The pact also confronts the rising danger posed by illegal products that directly threaten public health. These include counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and fake personal protective equipment. It also addresses unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, along with illegally produced alcohol. WHO’s 2017 estimate suggested that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was substandard or falsified, based on testing 48,000 samples from 88 nations.
Furthermore, cooperation will bolster efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Since its enforcement on February 27, 2005, the treaty has been adopted by 183 parties. Through combined initiatives, INTERPOL and WHO will assist nations in identifying these threats and safeguarding consumers. They also aim to strengthen the international frameworks designed to ensure public safety. As part of this ongoing effort, INTERPOL will host the 94th session of its General Assembly in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.