Geneva/Lyon - INTERPOL and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at tackling some of the most pressing threats at the intersection of public health and security.
The agreement establishes a framework to combine INTERPOL’s law enforcement expertise with WHO’s public health leadership for joint action to prevent, detect and respond to risks that endanger lives worldwide.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said: “Crime and health are increasingly interconnected. From falsified medical products to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, criminal networks are putting lives at risk. This agreement strengthens our ability to work with the World Health Organization to protect communities and ensure that those who threaten them, are brought to justice.”
Health and security interface
The agreement focuses on strengthening collaboration in exceptional situations that require coordinated health and security action, including incidents involving the suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive materials and unusual biological events, whether naturally occurring, accidental or deliberate.
The organizations will also coordinate efforts around major international events and mass gatherings, helping countries better prepare for, and respond to, potential health threats in high-visibility settings.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Health security is global security. By deepening our collaboration with INTERPOL, we are reinforcing our collective ability to prevent harm, respond to emergencies, and protect people from threats that undermine both health systems and public trust.”
Protecting the most vulnerable
A second area for cooperation is tackling the trafficking of persons for the purpose of organ removal, along with the illegal trade in human organs, tissues and cells.
The agreement also addresses the growing threat of illicit production and trade in goods which directly impact public health, including:
- Falsified medical products, such as medicines, vaccines and medical devices
- Counterfeit personal protective equipment
- Unsafe or fraudulently labelled food and drink
- Illegally produced alcohol
Cooperation will also support the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Through joint efforts, the organizations will support countries in identifying these threats, protecting consumers and reinforcing international frameworks designed to keep people safe.
Stronger, more coordinated action
This agreement reflects a shared commitment to address challenges that transcend borders and sectors by strengthening collaboration at the intersection of health and law enforcement.
By improving coordination between health and law enforcement, INTERPOL and WHO are committed to enhancing the global community’s ability to respond effectively to today’s complex and evolving threats.
Note to editors
About the World Health Organization
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations’ agency for health that connects nations, partners and people in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries to promote, provide and protect health.
About INTERPOL
Enabling police in its 196 member countries to work together to fight transnational crime, INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization. It maintains global databases containing police information on criminals and crime, and provides operational and forensic support, analysis services and training. These policing capabilities are delivered worldwide and support four global programmes: financial crime and corruption; counter-terrorism; cybercrime; and organized and emerging crime.
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