Course 1: Introduction to the International Health Regulations (2005) - A Canadian Context

The overall purpose of this course is to provide you with a general overview and basic knowledge of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). Learning materials focus on the implementation and application of the IHR (2005) through an overview of their history, followed by their purpose, key requirements and responsibilities. This course goes into greater details about the implementation activities of the IHR (2005) in Canada, including the designation of the National Focal Point. You will also explore at a high level the use of Annex 2 decision instrument for the assessment and reporting of events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern, and other IHR information sharing activities.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the IHR (2005)
  • Discuss Canada’s obligations under the IHR (2005)
  • Describe local, provincial/territorial, and federal roles and responsibilities under the IHR (2005) 
  • Explain the general process of reporting public health events to WHO and other countries

This course is open only to Federal Health employees.

Updated August 2023.


Course 2: IHR (2005) Assessment and Reporting Requirements – Application in a Canadian Context

This course will build on what you learned in IHR Course 1: Introduction to the International Health Regulations (2005) - A Canadian Context which provided a general overview and basic knowledge of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). From IHR Course 1, we will expand on IHR assessment and reporting requirements by exploring the use of the IHR Annex 2 decision instrument for assessment and notification of events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), including criteria and considerations when using the tool, and assessment and reporting timelines. A series of case studies provide an opportunity for practical application.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose and function of the WHO decision instrument, IHR Annex 2.
  • Explain when and how to use the decision instrument in the process of assessing events for notification to WHO.
  • Describe the IHR (2005) assessment and reporting timelines.
  • Apply the WHO IHR decision making tool in varied scenarios

This course is open only to Federal Health employees.