WHO: International Health Emergency declared over Corona Virus

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared International Health Emergency over Corona Virus.

Highlights

The organization has declared emergency as the disease has spread to 18 other countries apart from China where it originated. Also, the disease is spreading through human-to-human contact.

According to WHO, there are more than 7,711 confirmed cases and 12,167 suspected cases all over the world. The spread of the disease now fulfils the criteria of PHEIC and hence emergency has been declared..

What is PHEIC?

PHEIC is Public Health Emergencies of International Concern. According to IHR (International Health Regulations, 2005) of WHO, PHEIC is defined as an extraordinary event that fulfils the following

• The disease constituted public health risk spreading to other states internationally
• It has the potential to require international action

Upon declaration of emergency, WHO forms an Emergency Committee to provide advise on the necessary actions.

India’s scenario

India so far has reported its first case of novel corona virus in Kerala. India has also requested permission from China to bring back Indian nationals through 2 flights.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020