A CHALLENGE THAT CANNOT BE FACED ALONE
The cross-border and transnational nature of pandemics justifies
intergovernmental organizations, such as the World Health
Organization, having a key role to play in preparedness and
response. In addition to the regulatory role of the WHO through
the legally binding International Health Regulations (IHR), the
functions of this organization are to support Member States
develop their national capabilities to respond to pandemics,
coordinate Member States for pandemic and seasonal influenza
preparedness and response, develop guidelines, and strengthen
biosafety and biosecurity.
Among the initiatives implemented by the WHO for the
prevention of pandemics, special mention must be made of the
One Health concept carried out in coordination with the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World
Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
This concept provides a systemic approach and considers that
the health of humans, animals and plants, as well as the status
of ecosystems, are all interconnected. Among the measures
promoted by the WHO, also worth mentioning is the Global Health
Security Agenda (GHSA) established in 2014 to respond to public
health threats —whether natural, accidental or intentional— and to
global, regional and national security.
A SECURITY CHALLENGE
Famines, wars and epidemics have always been the great enemies
of humanity, and the new coronavirus has made sure we do not
forget this. However, the consideration that epidemic outbreaks
have an influence on security is a relatively recent issue. Since
the beginning of the 21st century, considering health as a security
issue has become increasingly important at both international
and state level. The reasons for this may be found in the concern
generated by the emergence of diseases such as SARS, Ebola or
32 Revista Española de Defensa April 2020
UN/Evan Scheider