Table 1. Core capacities for surveillance and response.

Obligations of States Parties to IHR (2005)	Local level	Intermediate level	National level
Core capacities	• to detect unusual public health events • to report key epidemiological information to relevant intermediate and national authorities • to immediately implement primary control measures	• to evaluate and verify epidemiological data • to implement additional control measures as necessary • to report to national authorities	• to assess within 48 h all domestic “urgent events” by consolidating input from and disseminating information to relevant sectors of the administration • to report the results of assessments as required within 24 h to WHO through a national focal point (NFP) which must be accessible at all times for communications
Points of entry capacities	• to provide and maintain facilities and expertise to conduct inspection (of goods and conveyances) and interview, diagnosis and treatment (of travellers) at designated points of entry
Cross-cutting capacities	• to conduct 24 h/7 day surveillance and inspection, reporting, notification, verification, response, and collaboration with domestic and international public health authorities • to develop and maintain trained specialized personnel and facilities for health data collection, laboratory investigation and operational/logistical support (including communication, transportation and supply chain), and detailed national public health emergency plans that specify multi-sectoral response teams • to implement the regulations and conduct of public health interventions “with full respect for the dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms of persons” (and as guided by the UN Charter and WHO Constitution) • to assess existing national capacities to comply with the terms of the IHR (2005) within 2 years (and to achieve full compliance within 5 years) of the entry into force of the agreement
Capacity-building in low-resource countries	• for WHO and State Parties to assist in the development of public health capacities everywhere, including the provision of technical cooperation and logistical support, as well as the mobilization of financial resources to facilitate implementation of the IHR

IHR, International Health Regulations; PHEIC, public health emergencies of international concern.