Kathmandu, June 15:

Minister for Health and Population, Girirajmani Pokharel, officially launched the International Health Regulation (IHR) at a programme organised here today.

The IHR, which was signed by all the World Health Organisation (WHO) member nations in 2005, came into effect globally from today. The regulation keeps pace with the changing global health scenario where diseases are emerging with high mortality and transmission rates.

Under the IHR, the member state is expected to report to the WHO within 24 hours of assessment of any novel disease or event of public health emergency or international concern.

Minister Pokharel said that the ministry is ready to strengthen the prevailing information system, human resource system and travel health system to implement the International Health Regulation.