GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization (WHO) have formalized a partnership through a cooperation agreement aimed at addressing threats that intersect public health and security. The announcement was made on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva. This framework combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s expertise in public health. It outlines joint initiatives to prevent, detect, and respond to risks that could threaten lives worldwide. With 196 member countries, INTERPOL’s network is extensive, while WHO operates in more than 150 locations worldwide.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the increasing link between crime and health issues. He highlighted examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as ways criminal networks endanger lives. Urquiza also stated that the agreement enhances the agency’s ability to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities. Additionally, he noted that this partnership will assist in bringing those responsible for these threats to justice. The General Assembly of INTERPOL approved the cooperation agreement with WHO during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initial focus will be on extraordinary situations demanding coordinated health and security responses. These include cases involving the suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether naturally occurring, accidental, or intentional. Such incidents often require rapid information exchange among police forces, health ministries, and emergency responders. Recent warnings from WHO point to increasing cholera fatalities and other outbreaks that strain healthcare systems. The new agreement aims to streamline cross-border responses to these emergencies.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking Issues
The two organizations will coordinate efforts around large international events and mass gatherings. The goal is to assist countries in preparing for and responding to potential health risks in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed that health security is a matter of global security. He added that strengthening collaboration with INTERPOL enhances the collective capacity to prevent harm and effectively respond to crises. Tedros further stated that this partnership will help protect populations from threats that undermine healthcare systems and public confidence.
Another key area of cooperation involves combatting the trafficking of individuals for organ removal. The agreement also addresses the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL listed organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. The same resolution also cited the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The joint efforts are designed to aid national authorities in identifying such crimes earlier. They will also support investigations to ensure accountability for offenders.
Targeting Falsified Medicines and Tobacco Control Measures
The framework also tackles the increasing danger posed by illicit goods that impact public health directly. These include falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and counterfeit personal protective equipment. It also covers unsafe or falsely labeled food and beverages as well as illegally produced alcohol. In 2017, WHO estimated that roughly 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 medicine samples from 88 countries.
The agreement will bolster efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This treaty, which came into force on February 27, 2005, now has 183 parties. Through joint initiatives, INTERPOL and WHO aim to help countries identify these threats and safeguard consumers. They will also support the enforcement of international standards designed to protect public health. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly will take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.