GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a partnership aimed at confronting threats that lie at the crossroads of public health and security. The agreement creates a cooperative framework that leverages INTERPOL’s expertise in law enforcement alongside WHO’s leadership in public health to identify, prevent, and respond to risks that pose a danger to lives. WHO announced this accord on October 16 through a statement from Geneva and Lyon. The scope of the pact encompasses health crises, large-scale gatherings, organ trafficking, illegal commodities, and tobacco regulation.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing link between crime and health issues. He highlighted risks such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations by criminal organizations. Urquiza explained that this partnership enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities, and it will facilitate bringing those responsible for such threats to justice. As the world’s largest international police organization, INTERPOL has 196 member countries and offers global police databases, forensic support, analysis, and training services.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated that health security is a component of global security. He noted that a deeper collaboration with INTERPOL would strengthen collective efforts to prevent harm and effectively respond to emergencies. Tedros also pointed out that the partnership aims to shield populations from dangers that compromise health systems and public confidence. WHO, a United Nations agency, operates in more than 150 locations worldwide. The agreement bridges WHO’s extensive public health network with INTERPOL’s law enforcement channels.
Focus on Emergency Preparedness and Mass Gatherings
The initial focus of this agreement is on extraordinary situations that demand synchronized health and security measures. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances and unusual biological events, whether accidental, natural, or deliberate. In these instances, rapid information exchange between health authorities and police is often essential. The framework is established to facilitate such joint responses. Additionally, WHO has issued warnings about rising cholera deaths in recent years, illustrating how quickly health emergencies can escalate.
Efforts by both entities will also extend to the coordination of responses during major international events and large gatherings. The goal is to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in settings that attract sizable crowds. Large sporting, religious, and cultural events often bring numerous people into confined areas, heightening health risks. The draft agreement was approved by INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 92nd session held in Glasgow in November 2024, with authorization given to the Secretary General to sign it.
Combatting Organ Trafficking and Illicit Substances
Another key area of collaboration addresses the trafficking of individuals for organ removal and the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The pact also aims to combat illicit commodities that directly threaten public health, such as falsified medicines, vaccines, and medical devices listed by WHO. It also includes counterfeit protective gear, unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, and illegally produced alcohol. Authorities have warned that criminal groups are employing new methods to expand their fraudulent activities and other illicit endeavors.
The cooperation will support the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was ratified in 2005 and now involves over 180 signatory parties. Through joint efforts, the organizations intend to assist countries in identifying these threats, safeguarding consumers, and reinforcing international frameworks designed for safety. While no specific timetable for initial joint operations has been announced, the formal agreement provides law enforcement and health authorities with a solid legal foundation for collaborative action on cross-border risks.