1.5 Health Regulations (Challenge Questions)

Question 1

Which legislation enforces IHR in Australia?
(See hint: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/vessels/first-point-entry-and-non-first-point-entry(opens in a new tab))

Answer 1

Biosecurity Act 2015.

Question 2

List 3 major differences between IHR 1969 and IHR 2005.

Answer 2

1. Expanded scope, broadened from 3 diseases to any event that may end up with public health getting compromised.
2. Mandatory notification, it is mandatory for countries to notify WHO of all events that may affect public health within 24hrs of assessment.
3. Strengthened surveillance

Question 3

What is meant by ‘arrival of a ship’ in terms of IHR?

Answer 3

For a seagoing vessel, arrival or anchoring in the defined area of a port.

The IHR 2005 requires the master of a ship, before arrival at its first port of call in the territory of a State Party, to complete and deliver to the competent authority a Maritime Declaration of Health.

Question 3

Name two recent pandemics.

Answer 3

1. COVID 19
2. AIDS/HIV