The representatives of the ministries of health of the Americas that participate in the PAHO's 50th Directing Council discussed the implementation of the Regulation in their countries, the efforts made toward its implementation, and its importance after the last flu pandemic that crossed borders. Diseases can spread far and wide at the mercy of travel and international trade.

Marcos Espinal, Area Manager of Health Surveillance and Prevention and Control of Diseases at PAHO, welcomed the progress achieved and reminded all that "there is still a long way to go. It is important to take the Regulations to the highest political level because it often implies a reorganization of the legal framework of the countries," he said.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) is an international legal instrument binding 194 countries, including all WHO Member States. It seeks to help the international community prevent and confront acute public health risks likely to cross borders and threaten populations throughout the world.