Canada's International Health Regulations: National IHR Focal Point

As part of the implementation of the IHR (2005), each State Party is required “…to designate or establish a National IHR Focal Point and the authorities responsible within its respective jurisdiction for the implementation of health measures under these Regulations” (IHR Article 4).

The National IHR Focal Point (NFP) is defined as the “…national centre, designated by each State Party, which shall be accessible at all times for communications with the World Health Organization (WHO) IHR Contact Points under these Regulations” (IHR Articles 1 and 4). These communications may be related to public health event notification, consultation, verification, information sharing, and determination of a potential public health emergency of international concern.

In 2005, the Public Health Agency of Canada was designated as the National IHR Focal Point for Canada and is responsible to coordinate the implementation of the IHR on behalf of the Government of Canada. The National IHR Focal Point supports 24/7 communications between Canadian public health authorities, the WHO and its regional office the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and other countries. The NFP is available to provide advice, guidance, and training on the implementation of the IHR, as well as supporting stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and international capacity-building activities.

The National IHR Focal Point functions are tested on a regular basis and actions are taken, as appropriate, to strengthen NFP capacities based on real-life events and exercises.

For more information contact the National IHR Focal Point at hpoc-cops@phac-aspc.gc.ca.