International health regulations (2005).

In consideration of the increases in international travel and trade, and emergence and reemergence of international disease threats and other health risks, the Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2005 adopted the revised International Health Regulations (IHR). The new IHR entered into force on 15 June 2007. Because the IHR are not limited to specific diseases, but are applicable to health risks, irrespective of their origin or source, they should remain current with developments in the evolution of diseases and the factors affecting their emergence and transmission. The IHR also require states to strengthen core surveillance and response capacities at the primary, intermediate and national level, as well as at designated international ports, airports and ground crossings. They further introduce a series of new health documents, including ship sanitation certificates and an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis for travelers.--Publisher's description.