IHR Emergency Committee

Established by the WHO Director-General under Article 48 of the IHR, the Emergency Committee evaluates and determines whether an event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and provides advice to the Director-General to inform his decision. Upon declaring a PHEIC, the Emergency Committee additionally issues Temporary Recommendations and reconvenes every 3 months to review the PHEIC status and modify, extend or terminate the Temporary Recommendations.

The Emergency Committee is composed of experts selected from the IHR Roster of Experts or other expert advisory panels of WHO. The Director-General considers members on the basis of the specific expertise and practical experience required for the role. The State Party within whose territory an event arises must nominate 1 expert.