GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization formalized a cooperation pact aimed at confronting threats that intersect public health and security. 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. It outlines joint efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to global risks that threaten human lives. INTERPOL, which has 196 member countries, works alongside WHO, present in over 150 locations worldwide.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the growing link between crime and health issues. He highlighted examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks jeopardize lives. Urquiza pointed out that this partnership enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and bringing those responsible to justice. The agreement received backing from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the focus lies on extraordinary situations requiring coordinated health and security responses, such as suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances and unusual biological incidents—whether accidental, natural, or deliberate. These scenarios often necessitate rapid information exchange among police, health authorities, and emergency responders. In recent years, WHO has issued warnings about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks straining healthcare systems. This new framework aims to facilitate cross-border cooperation in addressing such crises.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
The collaboration will also extend to managing risks associated with large international gatherings and events. The goal is to bolster countries’ preparedness and response capabilities in settings with high visibility. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security is integral to global security. He added that a deeper partnership with INTERPOL strengthens collective efforts to prevent harm and manage emergencies. Tedros also noted that this alliance aims to shield populations from threats that compromise health systems and erode public trust.
A secondary focus involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal, including the illegal trade in human tissues, organs, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution listed organ trafficking among health-related crimes of mutual concern, alongside the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Collaborative efforts will help authorities detect such illicit activities sooner and enhance investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Counterfeit Medicines and Tobacco Control Initiatives
Addressing the increasing threat posed by illegal goods impacting public health is also a priority. These include falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, counterfeit personal protective equipment, and unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages. In 2017, WHO estimated that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 medicine samples across 88 nations. The partnership will support the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has 183 parties since its enforcement began on February 27, 2005. Together, INTERPOL and WHO aim to assist nations in identifying these dangers and safeguarding consumers while strengthening international safety frameworks. INTERPOL will convene its 94th General Assembly session in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.