Smallpox Research Oversight Activities:WHO Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research

A natural re-emergence of smallpox is not deemed possible, but if it were to occur as a result of a terrorist or deliberate event, it would be a potentially devastating threat to public health worldwide and would constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). A case of smallpox detected by a member state requires notification to WHO as soon as possible, and any confirmed smallpox case would generate an immediate global public health response. Since May 1999, when the 52nd World Health Assembly (WHA) resolved to postpone...

WHO is the only eligible applicant; it is the only organization that is allowed by international agreements to address the issues outlined in this proposal. WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility, involving equitable access to essential care and collective defense against transnational threats. States Parties to the U.N. have agreed to international standards on reporting public health incidents of concern under IHR (2005). Additionally, a majority of States Parties have also agreed to specific work-frames for pathogens such as smallpox under the Biological Weapons Convention.

Brenda Cox Grants Management Officer