GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization formalized a cooperation pact aimed at confronting threats that lie at the intersection of 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 leadership in public health. It outlines joint initiatives to prevent, identify, and counter risks that threaten lives across the globe. While INTERPOL counts 196 member countries, WHO operates in over 150 locations worldwide.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing link between crime and health concerns. He highlighted issues such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as examples of how criminal networks endanger lives. Urquiza explained that the agreement enhances the agency’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and bringing those responsible for threats to justice. At the 2024 session in Glasgow, INTERPOL’s General Assembly approved a cooperation agreement with WHO.
The initial focus of this accord is on extraordinary situations requiring a unified response from health and security sectors. These situations include suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether naturally occurring, accidental, or intentional—that demand rapid information exchange among police, health ministries, and emergency services. Recent warnings from WHO about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that challenge healthcare infrastructure underscore the importance of coordinated cross-border responses provided by this new framework.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
Coordination between the two organizations will also extend to major international gatherings and events, aiming to prepare and respond effectively to health threats in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security is a facet of global security. He emphasized that deeper collaboration with INTERPOL enhances collective capacity to prevent harm and address emergencies. Tedros further noted that this partnership would help shield populations from risks that compromise health systems and public confidence.
Another key cooperation area is the trafficking of individuals for organ removal, alongside the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 resolution from INTERPOL’s General Assembly identified organ trafficking among health-related crimes of shared concern. It also referenced the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The joint efforts are expected to enable national authorities to identify such crimes sooner and support investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Addressing Fake Medicines and Tobacco Control
The agreement also targets the increasing danger posed by illicit goods that impact public health directly. These include counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, as well as fake personal protective equipment. It also covers unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, alongside illegally produced alcohol. WHO’s 2017 estimate indicated that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income nations was either substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 medicine samples from 88 countries.
Joint efforts will promote the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force on February 27, 2005, and currently has 183 parties. Through collective action, INTERPOL and WHO will assist countries in recognizing these threats and safeguarding consumers. Additionally, they will strengthen international frameworks designed to ensure public safety. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.