GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized their partnership through a cooperation agreement aimed at addressing threats that intersect public health and security. This agreement establishes a framework that leverages INTERPOL’s law enforcement capabilities alongside WHO’s leadership in public health to effectively prevent, identify, and respond to risks that threaten lives. WHO announced this partnership on October 16 via a statement issued from Geneva and Lyon. The scope of the pact encompasses health emergencies, mass gatherings, organ trafficking, illicit substances, and tobacco regulation.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing links between crime and health issues. He pointed out the risks posed by counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations by criminal organizations. Urquiza noted that the agreement enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to collaborate with WHO to safeguard communities and ensure that those responsible for threats are held accountable. As the world’s largest international police body, INTERPOL, which has 196 member countries, manages global police databases and provides forensic, analytical, and training resources.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that health security is integral to global security. He stated that closer cooperation with INTERPOL strengthens collective efforts to prevent harm and efficiently respond to crises. Tedros also mentioned that this partnership will help shield populations from threats that weaken healthcare systems and erode public confidence. WHO, as the United Nations agency dedicated to health, operates across more than 150 locations worldwide. The agreement connects this extensive public health network with INTERPOL’s police channels.
Focus on Emergency Response and Large-Scale Events
Initially, the partnership prioritizes exceptional situations requiring coordinated health and law enforcement action. These include incidents involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances and unusual biological events—whether natural, accidental, or intentional. In such scenarios, rapid information sharing between health authorities and police is crucial. The framework aims to facilitate this joint response. Additionally, WHO has issued warnings about rising cholera deaths in recent years, illustrating the swift escalation of health emergencies.
Efforts will also be coordinated for major international events and mass gatherings. The objective is to improve preparedness and response strategies for health threats in crowded, high-profile settings. Large-scale sporting, religious, and cultural events can attract vast crowds into confined spaces, raising the risk of outbreaks. The draft agreement received approval from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 92nd session in Glasgow in November 2024, with authority granted to the Secretary General to formalize the signing.
Targeting Organ Trafficking and Illicit Substances
Another key focus of cooperation involves combating the trafficking of individuals for organ removal and addressing the illegal trade in human organs, tissues, and cells. The agreement also aims to confront illicit goods that directly impact public health, including counterfeit medicines, vaccines, and medical devices listed by WHO. Other items under scrutiny are falsified protective equipment, unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, and illegally produced alcohol. Authorities have issued warnings that criminal groups are adopting new methods to expand fraud and illicit activities.
The collaboration will support the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has been in force since 2005 and includes over 180 parties. Through coordinated efforts, both organizations aim to assist nations in identifying these threats, safeguarding consumers, and strengthening international frameworks designed to ensure public safety. No specific timeline has been set for initial joint operations, but the agreement provides a formal foundation for police and health agencies to act together on cross-border risks.