WHO and INTERPOL Agree to Coordinate on Cross-Border Health Threats

GENEVA/LYON, 18 October 2026 — The World Health Organization and INTERPOL say they have signed a cooperation agreement intended to improve joint responses where public-health risks and policing intersect. The organizations announced the deal on 16 October. It sets out a framework for coordination; their announcements do not describe a new enforcement operation or a specific outbreak.

Under the framework, the agencies plan to share expertise on exceptional incidents that require both health and security responses, including suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive materials and unusual biological events. They also intend to coordinate preparations for major international gatherings, where countries may need to address health threats alongside security concerns.

The agreement includes work on trafficking for organ removal and illicit trade in organs, tissues and cells. Another stated priority is protecting consumers from falsified medical products and other goods that pose health risks. WHO says cooperation will also support implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The announcements describe areas for future cooperation, not evidence that any particular threat has occurred. How the framework will translate into operations will depend on subsequent work by the organizations and member countries.