WHO public health emergency: What to know

How to define PHEIC?

A PHEIC is defined in the International Health Regulations (2005) as an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response.

This definition implies a situation that is serious, unusual or unexpected; carries implications for public health beyond the affected state's national border; and may require immediate international action.

The responsibility of determining whether an event is within this category lies with the WHO director-general and requires the convening of a committee of experts – the IHR Emergency Committee. The committee makes a recommendation on whether to declare a PHEIC, but ultimately that decision rests solely on the director general's shoulders.