WHO guidance for the use of Annex 2 of the International Health Regulations (2005) - Decision instrument for the assessment and notification of events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern

The purpose of the WHO guidance on Annex 2 is to help national authorities to use the decision instrument in assessing public health events that may require notification to WHO. The guidance document is targeted to National IHR Focal Points and others responsible for assessing the need to notify WHO of public health events under the Regulations.

This guidance on Annex 2 was reviewed by a group of experts and users from around the world during a technical consultation held in Geneva in October 2008. Importantly, a number of case scenarios were added to illustrate the application of the assessment criteria. The guidance document also includes the IHR case definitions for the four notifiable disease entities. Key findings from the first studies on the functioning of Annex 2 will be considered and may result in further updating of this guidance.