Meet the disease detectives: the International Health Regulations focal points protecting our region from health threats

The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

The WHO European Region is large and diverse, stretching from its most western point in Iceland to its most eastern point in the Russian Federation. WHO works with more than 100 IHR National Focal Points (NFPs) across 56 countries and territories. Their work is dedicated to preparing for, detecting and stopping dangerous diseases from crossing borders.

Let’s meet some of the “disease detectives” who are keeping the Region safer.

Ana Tatulashvili, part of Georgia’s IHR NFP team.

Health threats have no borders

Ana Tatulashvili is part of Georgia’s IHR NFP team.

“Our work is vital in building a global system that responds swiftly to health threats. Diseases can quickly spread across borders, so cross-border collaboration is essential. We are responsible for early detection – monitoring potential health threats and reporting them to WHO. This ensures quick international action.”
 
IHR NFPs are the backbone of health security – identifying outbreaks, analysing risks and alerting WHO to threats with international implications.

Demi Reurings, Advisor on Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands (Kingdom of the).

Travel and trade are made safer

In the WHO European Region, about 65% of validated events were reported through IHR NFPs and other governmental sources, reinforcing the critical leadership role IHR NFPs hold in early detection and notification pathways.

Demi Reurings is an Advisor on Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands (Kingdom of the). She supports the work of the IHR NFP for the Netherlands, playing a vital role in coordinating responses to national and international infectious disease threats. In the Netherlands, that means a close focus on ports of entry. From updating national protocols to providing expert outbreak advice, her work ensures the Netherlands remains ready to respond to emerging health threats while aligning with IHR standards.

“The IHR provides clear rules and processes for reporting and managing health risks, so everyone knows what to do during a crisis, and encourages and supports countries to strengthen their own health systems, so they are better able to detect and respond to outbreaks.”

Vadim Rata, Head of the Management of Public Health Emergencies Division at the National Agency for Public Health in Moldova.

Daily threats are kept under control

When 12 Moldovan high school students exposed to measles travelled abroad on a study exchange, the risk of cross-border transmission was real. But thanks to rapid communication between IHR NFPs, a potential outbreak was swiftly contained. 

Vadim Rata, who serves as Head of the Management of Public Health Emergencies Division at the National Agency for Public Health in Moldova, notes that multisectoral and cross-border collaboration – including for the health, agriculture, customs, transport and defense sectors – is key to effective public health emergency management. 
 
“Without the IHR framework and NFP network, countries would face fragmented communication, delays in reporting and inconsistent responses to cross-border health threats. There would be significant gaps in surveillance, preparedness and international assistance mechanisms, ultimately making the world more vulnerable to pandemics and other public health emergencies.”

Tatjana Nemeth-Blažić, part of Croatia’s IHR NFP team.

Global health security is enhanced

For Tatjana Nemeth-Blažić, working as part of Croatia’s IHR NFP team means being at the frontline of global health security: 

“The role of the NFP in each country is essential, as it facilitates the implementation of activities and communication between various sectors and institutions within the country, as well as communication between the country and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.” 

Tatjana helps to detect, assess and report on health threats both nationally and internationally, including infectious diseases, chemical spills and natural hazards. Her work also includes managing risk communication across government sectors, supporting legal coordination for emergency preparedness, building capacity through training, cross-border simulation exercises and collaboration and overseeing Croatia’s role in regional preparedness initiatives.
 
Recent crises, such as COVID-19 and the 2020 earthquake in Croatia, underscore the power of the IHR network Tatjana works within. Without it, early detection, rapid response and coordinated action would be nearly impossible.

Darija Platukyte, Advisor at the Emergency Coordination Division of the Health Emergency Situation Centre under the Ministry of Health in Lithuania.

All sectors benefit

In Lithuania, Darija Platukyte, an Advisor at the Emergency Coordination Division of the Health Emergency Situation Centre under the Ministry of Health in Lithuania, works to support Lithuania’s IHR NFP.  In this role, she helps coordinate national preparedness planning and rapid communication with WHO and other countries. She engages in cross-sectoral action with civil protection and food safety and public health authorities and works on risk communication and emergency coordination.  

“Without the IHR network, countries would face delays in detecting and responding to health threats. Lithuania would lose access to vital information, early warnings and regional cooperation tools that are essential during emergencies,” Darija says.
 
The IHR helps countries act fast, work together and stay ready for the next public health threat, because global health security depends on local leadership – and the systems that support it.

Ilja Tsibisov, Chief Specialist in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Department at the Estonian Health Board.

Together we are safer

According to Ilja Tsibisov, Chief Specialist in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Department at the Estonian Health Board, the work of IHR NFPs is essential.  
 
“We act as a 24/7 communication channel between WHO and other countries. The responsibilities and capabilities of the IHR NFP have a direct impact on how effectively the global community can detect, assess and respond to public health emergencies.”  
 
Ilja serves as Estonia’s IHR NFP. In this role, he leads efforts to monitor and validate potential health threats, coordinates cross-border epidemic preparedness plans and ensures Estonia maintains 24/7 communication with WHO and other countries under the IHR framework.  One of the greatest strengths of the IHR NFP network, he notes, is the power of the community it represents. 
  
“The most beneficial thing about the IHR NFP network is that we are a very strong community where we trust each other, and we can share knowledge and collaborate to improve our ability to anticipate potential threats.”