Which statement about the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework is correct?

• A. IHR aims to prevent international spread of diseases through core surveillance, timely event notification, and response capabilities
• B. IHR discourages cross-border cooperation in PM
• C. IHR provides direct funding to national healthcare facilities
• D. IHR replaces national laws with international rules

Answer: (C)

The IHR framework is about strengthening global health security by making sure countries can detect health threats, report significant events quickly, and mobilize a swift public health response to prevent cross-border spread. It requires nations to build and maintain core public health surveillance and response capacities, to designate points of contact for rapid communication with WHO, and to assess and share information about events that could constitute a public health emergency of international concern. It does not provide direct funding to national healthcare facilities; financial support for health systems comes from national budgets or other sources, not from the IHR itself. It also does not replace national laws with international rules; countries keep sovereignty and implement the IHR through their own legal frameworks, aligning their procedures with international obligations. Additionally, it encourages cross-border cooperation and information sharing to quickly contain threats, rather than discouraging collaboration.