Doha: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Friday the implementation of updated international health regulations aimed at improving global preparedness for future pandemics. The new rules grant WHO the authority to declare a Public Health Emergency for Epidemic Response, the highest level of alert, urging countries to take preventive action against serious diseases.

According to Qatar News Agency, this declaration may be made under specific conditions, such as the emergence of a virus with cross-border transmission potential, threats to healthcare system capacity, significant socio-economic risks, and the need for coordinated international response. The revised regulations also require countries to develop early-stage capabilities to detect, monitor, and control pathogens immediately.

A WHO-appointed committee will assist member states in establishing designated national authorities for this purpose.