In 2017, Sri Lanka conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of the country’s IHR capacities and subsequently they developed a National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) to address the priority recommendations of the evaluation. In the short time, Sri Lanka has progressed significantly in developing their capacities to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats and emergencies. The capacity building activities that the country has engaged in have resulted in stronger preparedness for health emergencies and it has conferred benefits to the national health system.

The Sri Lankan Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) – which is the country’s Centre of Excellence for health education, health promotion and publicity of health information – has developed an incredible documentary to highlight and capture the multisector work that has been led at all levels to achieve this progress in IHR implementation.

The documentary was presented as part of WHO’s recent mission to document progress following the JEE and NAPHS in Sri Lanka and it covers a range of interviews, national successes and important milestones. The film has been made available through the Sri Lanka Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) and is being used by both the country and WHO for education purposes and to further facilitate IHR implementation.

WHO is encouraging all Member States that participate in documenting progress activities to develop multimedia resources including documentary films such as this one.