INTERPOL and WHO Sign Agreement to Strengthen Global Health and Security Protection

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 combining 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.

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 two 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.

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; and illegally produced alcohol. Cooperation will additionally support the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said that criminal networks are putting lives at risk through falsified medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and that the agreement strengthens joint work with WHO to protect communities and bring offenders to justice. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described health security as global security, noting that deeper collaboration with INTERPOL reinforces the collective ability to prevent harm, respond to emergencies and protect people from threats that undermine both health systems and public trust.

Substandard and falsified medical products remain a significant global health problem, impacting millions of people and compromising health systems worldwide. INTERPOL, the world's largest international police organization, enables police in its 196 member countries to work together against transnational crime, including organized and emerging crime.

For pharmaceutical buyers, importers and distributors, this agreement signals that international scrutiny of falsified and substandard medical products will continue to intensify. Sourcing from verified, quality-assured manufacturers with complete GMP documentation and transparent supply chains is increasingly important, not only for patient safety but also for smooth regulatory review and customs clearance. Artemisine Medicines Technology supports partners with full quality documentation and batch-level traceability for every shipment.

Source: WHO, INTERPOL and WHO sign agreement to strengthen global health and security protection, https://www.who.int/news/item/16-10-2026-interpol-and-who-sign-agreement-to-strengthen-global-health-and-security-protection