Volume 18, Number 7—July 2012
Perspective
International Health Regulations—What Gets Measured Gets Done
Kashef Ijaz
, Eric Kasowski, Ray R. Arthur, Frederick J. Angulo, and Scott F. Dowell
, Eric Kasowski, Ray R. Arthur, Frederick J. Angulo, and Scott F. DowellTable 1
Goals, targets, and intended use for 4 core capacities for focusing International Health Regulations implementation
| Capacity | Goal | Target/measure | Intended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources | Ensure adequate numbers of trained personnel are available to support the response to a public health emergency | A national workforce plan and 1 trained field epidemiologist for every 200,000 persons | Document that a workforce plan exists and is maintained and updated, and monitor annual progress toward the goal of 1 trained field epidemiologist for every 200,000 persons. |
| Surveillance | Ensure that surveillance systems capable of detecting selected potential public health emergencies in any part of the country are established and functioning | Surveillance infrastructure that demonstrates the ability to detect >3 of 5 syndromes indicative of a potential public health emergency of international concern | Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the surveillance system, and identify areas for improvement within the country’s public health surveillance infrastructure. |
| Laboratory | Ensure access to laboratory diagnostic capabilities that can identify a range of emerging epidemic pathogens by using the full spectrum of basic laboratory testing methods | Ability to perform 10 core diagnostic tests for confirmation of indicator pathogens from any part of the country | Assess/measure capacity for detection will by using external/internal quality assurance for each of the 10 core tests and indicator pathogens using standard methods. |
| Response | Ensure countries have adequate rapid response capacity for public health emergencies | At least 1 functioning rapid response team per major administrative unit | Maintain an adequate number of rapid response teams with the necessary training, appropriate personnel, and regular outbreak responses. |
