Combating the Spread of Disease: The International Health Regulations

International public health emergencies can pose incredible dangers to any city throughout the world. Growth in international travel has only served to increase these dangers, allowing infectious diseases to spread quickly across long distances. Yet, we are not without a plan. The World Health Organization and its new International Health Regulations provide an essential foundation for worldwide proactivity and collaboration in anticipation of the next public health emergency. Like many preventative measures, the effectiveness of these measures will depend heavily upon the amount of commitment and investment given by governments worldwide. Commitment, now, to the new international health regulations may very well serve to reduce the adverse effects of the next international public health emergency.