What measures has ICAO initiated to support its Contracting States in managing health risks connected to disease outbreaks?
ICAO has reviewed its Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of relevance to Article 14 of the Chicago Convention and has updated them in view of the contemporary risks to human health from communicable diseases. New SARPs have been written that are in alignment with the latest revision of the
WHO International Health Regulations (2005) (PDF). Although the SARPs describe the obligations on Contracting States, they do not explain in detail how they can be met. Accordingly, ICAO sought the assistance of specialist organizations such as the WHO,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Airports Council International and
International Air Transport Association in order to formulate
guidelines for States that would assist them in developing their own, national, preparedness plans. More detailed guidance, directed specifically towards airports and airlines, has also been developed.