Progress on International Health Regulations core capacities in the Western Pacific Region

The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) are binding upon Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO), requiring them to build and maintain capacities across critical domains to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats. In an analysis of 15 IHR core capacity scores reported by States Parties in the Western Pacific Region from 2021–2023, the average regional scores increased from 68% in 2021 to 72% in 2022, then declined to 66% in 2023. Seven States Parties maintained consistently strong scores (≥85%), whereas nine exhibited fluctuations of at least 10 percentage points. Categorization of States Parties into three groups based on geographic and economic characteristics highlighted that core capacities such as financing, food safety and zoonotic disease control were areas requiring additional support, particularly among Pacific island States Parties. Low and middle income States Parties also reported notable gaps in financing and infection prevention and control. These findings underscore the importance of strategically establishing or designating a National IHR Authority (NIA), which is a key amendment to the IHR implemented in 2024. Beyond technical improvements, a strong NIA can drive multisectoral collaboration, help mobilize resources and streamline decision making. Additionally, establishing a regional forum for health emergencies could enhance political commitment and promote joint actions, strengthening collective resilience. In turn, this fosters more resilient preparedness and response measures that address the diversity epidemiological, economic and geographical contexts in the region, thereby strengthening overall IHR implementation.