The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) are an instrument of international law that is legally binding on 196 countries, including all WHO Member States. National legislation is inherently cross-cutting and involves all sectors of government. Legislation is important for IHR implementation because the scope of the Regulations is purposely broad, and the IHR have been
interpreted as applying to biological, chemical and radiological events that occur naturally, are accidental or deliberate. It also covers sectors other than health such as transport, trade and human rights.