WHA59.2 - Application of the International Health Regulations (2005)

The Fifty-ninth World Health Assembly, Having considered the report on application of the International Health Regulations (2005);

Recalling resolutions WHA58.3 on revision of the International Health Regulations and WHA58.5 on strengthening pandemic-influenza preparedness and response; 

Reaffirming the serious risk to human health, including the possible emergence of a pandemic virus, arising from ongoing outbreaks in poultry of highly pathogenic avian influenza, caused by the H5N1 strain of Influenzavirus A, in parts of Asia and elsewhere; 

Noting with concern the persistence of outbreaks in poultry, the continuing occurrence of sporadic cases of severe human disease associated with these outbreaks, the endemicity of the virus in several countries, the spread of the virus to new areas through the migration of wild waterfowl, and its predicted further spread; 

Aware that these and other developments have increased the probability that a pandemic may occur;