GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization (WHO) have formalized a partnership aimed at addressing threats where health and security intersect. Announced on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva, the agreement combines INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities with WHO’s leadership in public health. It outlines collaborative efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to risks that pose a global danger to lives. INTERPOL, with 196 member countries, and WHO, operating in more than 150 locations, will work together under this framework.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing link between crime and health issues. He highlighted examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations to illustrate how criminal networks threaten lives. Urquiza stated that the agreement enhances the agency’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and bringing perpetrators to justice. The cooperation agreement was endorsed by INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initial focus is placed on extraordinary situations that require synchronized health and security responses. These include incidents involving the suspected illegal use of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether natural, accidental, or intentional. Such cases often require rapid information exchange between law enforcement, health agencies, and emergency services. In recent years, WHO has issued warnings about rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks straining healthcare systems. This new framework aims to facilitate cross-border coordination for these responses.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
The collaborative efforts will also extend to managing health threats related to large international gatherings and major events. The purpose is to bolster national preparedness and response capabilities in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked that health security is an element of global security. He stated that strengthening ties with INTERPOL enhances collective efforts to prevent harm and swiftly address emergencies. Tedros emphasized that this partnership will help safeguard populations from dangers that compromise health systems and public confidence.
Another key area of cooperation concerns the illegal trafficking of individuals for organ removal. The agreement covers illicit trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL identified organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. The same resolution also highlighted the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Joint initiatives aim to empower authorities worldwide to detect these crimes earlier and conduct thorough investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Fighting Falsified Medicines and Enhancing Tobacco Control
The partnership also targets the increasing circulation of illegal goods that directly threaten public health. These include counterfeit medicines, vaccines, medical devices, as well as fake personal protective equipment. Additionally, unsafe or mislabeled food and drink products and illicitly produced alcohol are within the scope. In 2017, WHO estimated that approximately 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income nations were either substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 samples from 88 countries.
Joint efforts will also promote the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This treaty, which came into effect on February 27, 2005, now has 183 parties. Through coordinated initiatives, INTERPOL and WHO will assist countries in identifying these threats and protecting consumers. They will also work to strengthen the international legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding public health. The 94th session of INTERPOL’s General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.