Key Benefits:
Arrangements referred to in Article 38 (1) of the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands regulating cooperation in the implementation of the International Health Regulations between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
The Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten,
The Ministers of Health of the four countries united in the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed an agreement in June 2015 for cooperation in the implementation and maintenance of the International Health Regulations (IGR). This is an international agreement, under the auspices of the World Health Organization, for controlling and combating transboundary infectious diseases and other incidents of bacteriological, chemical and radiological nature. The mutual arrangement creates a collaborative, networking, between the public health services of the countries of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands, including the public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the Rijksinstituut for Health and Environment acts as a coordinating member of the created network of IGR experts.
Having regard to Article 38, first paragraph, of the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands ,
Whereas:
shall correspond to the following:
1 The Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, hereafter referred to as the countries and each individual as Country , agree to cooperate for the implementation and maintenance of the IGR in the Caribbean regions of the Kingdom, as determined in the manner in which it is to be determined.
2 This scheme also provides for the establishment of a network of experts ( Network IGR) , with qualified knowledge in the areas of disease control, epidemiology, as well as on the fight against incidents of bacteriological, chemical and radiological nature that may affect public health, that as a consultation, the reference and action platform for the Caribbean of the Kingdom and thereby fulfils the conditions laid down in Articles 5, 13, 19, 20 and Annex 1 of the IGR.
3 This scheme, including Annex Serious Health Incident Protocol , it also provides for agreements between the countries on the exercise of tasks and powers in the event of incidents which may result in an emergency of international public health significance in the meaning of the IGR. 2
1 For the control and control of serious health incidents and the development and maintenance of sufficient capacity to implement them in accordance with, but not limited to, Article 5, first paragraph, 13, first paragraph, 19, 20, First and second member, and Annex 1 of the IGR, each country within its territory is independently responsible.
2 The countries agree to assist each other, each by ability, in the substantive development of capacities referred to in the first paragraph. The objectives of this cooperation shall be:
a. To achieve and maintain a level of IGR implementation appropriate to the socio-economic and medical epidemiological conditions of each of the countries individually and in such a manner that the Kingdom as a whole fulfils the best possible conditions; requirements of the IGR;
(b) the realisation and alignment of sound surveillance, detection, reporting and response systems for infectious diseases (outbreaks of) and incidents of bacteriological, chemical and radiological nature which are likely to be considered to be public health may influence in the Caribbean region of the Kingdom, in accordance with Annex 1 of the IGR;
c. Sharing knowledge and experience, the exchange of relevant documents, jointly organizing training, training and exercises and everything else that contributes to maintaining an optimal level of IGR functionality as intended. in part a of this paragraph.
3 The countries agree to make a national IGR assessment annually, at the request of the WHO, followed by a joint IGR review of all Kingdoms once every four years. The Network-IGR is conducting the annual IGR assessments and is preparing the four-yearly IGR review. In addition to experts from the countries themselves, the network can invite independent experts in the field of the IGR.
4 The Network-IGR sets up a biennial framework plan for the optimum implementation and maintenance of the IGR in the Caribbean. This framework plan is based on country-specific work plans.
1 The Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the Rijksinstituut for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM-CIb) functions as the National IGR Coordination Point of the Kingdom as referred to in Article 1 of the IGR.
2 The Network-IGR mentioned in Article 1, second paragraph , acts as a liaison, reference and cooperation platform for the national IGR coordination point for the benefit of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
3 The RIVM-CIb is part of the Network-IGR as a coordinating member, and provides the necessary administrative support.
4 The Director of the RIVM-CIb may provide for the appointment of a Medical and Health Company under his authority and responsibility to carry out certain tasks of the national IGR Coordination Point in the region in close cooperation with the IGR Contact Points.
1 The Network-IGR consists of a group of experts, representing the Caribbean (egg) countries of the Kingdom and the RIVM CIb, with qualified knowledge as mentioned in Article 1, second paragraph .
2 The services of the respective Ministries of Public Health of the four countries and the Network-IGR are:
for Aruba: the Executive Board of Health;
for Curaçao: the Department of Epidemiology and Research of the Ministry of
Health, Environment & Nature;
for Sint Maarten: The Services Collective Prevention and the Department of Public Health;
for the Netherlands: the Centre for Infectious Disease Control, RIVM;
Bonaire: the Services Public Health and Infectious Disease Control;
Saba: Public Health Service;
Saint Eustatius: the Management Committee of the Society and Welfare, Department of Public Health.
3 The services referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be responsible for the transmission of internationally communicated knowledge and information on infectious diseases and incidents of bacteriological, chemical and chemical diseases, as contact points of the (egg) countries. radiological nature that affect public health, to the responsible directors and relevant professionals of their country.
4 Each service as referred to in the second paragraph, shall set up one expert as primus and one expert as secundus. The expert designated as a primus serves as a representative in the Network-IGR and preferably has a qualification as a physician society and health, epidemiologist or social nurse. The secundus shall act as a substitute in the absence of the primus.
5 On the methods according to which epidemiological or other scientific research is carried out, including the reporting of the results thereof, the services in the Network-IGR act as independent experts and do not therefore receive any the instruction of third parties.
6 The Network-IGR actively promotes the scientifically responsible implementation of epidemiological investigations into the occurrence and distribution of infectious diseases and other IGR-related incidents in the countries. Members shall assist each other on the design of a methodical responsible source and contact incentive, as well as epidemiological studies in case of acute health incidents.
7 The Network-IGR may maintain contacts with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international organisations active in the region. This with a view to optimizing knowledge about IGR developments, for participating in trainings at IGR area and recruiting funds for IGR-promoting activities.
1 Periodic consultations take place between IGR network members through videoconferencing, teleconferences or physical meetings, to discuss progress in implementation and functionality of the IGR, for promoting quality of life. surveillance, control methods, laboratory-diagnostic facilities, disease reception opportunities and plans for joint or bilateral activities.
2 Training and training of staff members with a specific task on the implementation of the IGR will be organised jointly within the IGR, in so far as this is efficient and meaningful.
3 Reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses of members shall be borne by the country which has appointed the member.
1 For the implementation of the provisions of the second to seventh paragraph of this Article, the Serious Health Incident Protocol applicable, see Annex .
2 The contact point of the country as referred to in Article 4, third paragraph , shall be permanently accessible to reports of disease cases notified by the country by law or regulation, and of incidents of bacteriological, chemical and radiological nature which may affect public health. The notifications shall be transmitted within 24 hours to the national IGR coordination point for further assessment and mutual consultation on action to be taken.
3 Following the requirements of Article 4, second paragraph, parts a and b, of the IGR, all formal communication between the countries of the Kingdom and WHO, as well as the PAHO, proceeds via the channel of the National IGR Coordination Point.
4 With the application of the criteria of Annex 2 of the IGR, the national IGR coordination point shall carry out the assessment referred to in Article 6, first paragraph, of the IGR, of all the serious health incidents reported in the Kingdom. The national IGR coordination point decides on the basis of that assessment, having heard the nationwide contact point, to report to the WHO of incidents that could result in an emergency of international public health importance 3 Before the notification is made, the national IGR coordination point informs the Minister responsible for public health of the country concerned, which informs relevant sector ministers and the Minister-President according to the nature of the notification.
5 After a notification as referred to in paragraph 4, the Minister responsible for public health of the country concerned shall, depending on the nature of the situation in coordination with relevant Sectoral Ministers and the Minister-President, decide on the measures to be taken which are taken in or imposed within their territory and on the national, regional and international reporting. Before the Minister responsible for public health takes a measure, he/she shall seek advice from the service of his country of Article 4, second paragraph . The national IGR coordination point does not occur in the press and public communication of the country concerned, nor does it enter into contact with regional and international media.
6 The Minister in charge of public health, depending on the nature of the notification in coordination with relevant Sectoral Ministers and the Minister of the Country concerned, may request the Director of the RIVM CIb for an Outbreak Management Team (OMT) convening to provide him with the best possible medical-epidemiological advice.
7 The Minister responsible for public health, who intends to take a measure concerning a notification or leave it in line with a WHO recommendation, informs his officials of the other 3 countries. before transferring to the implementation of his decision.
1 There is a committee of advice and assistance monitoring the quality and effectiveness of operational cooperation consisting of three persons:
a. one person with knowledge of the Kingdom of the Kingdom and their mutual relations;
b. one person with qualification in the field of public health, environmental incidents and crisis management;
c. one person with knowledge and experience in the field of IGR.
2 The Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands, on behalf of and in consultation with his three offices, appoints the members of the committee for a period of four years. The committee will be together at least once a year and decide for the rest of its own way of working. Each year the committee shall report to the four ministers.
The countries agree, taking into account everyone ' s existing system of laws and regulations, to implement the tasks, procedures and powers arising from the requirements of the IGR in their legislation, in any case for:
a. the direction and coordination of the governing bodies, the service components and civil society organisations that have a role in the control or control of a serious health incident in the country;
b. the surveillance, detection and reporting of disease cases involving an infectious cause, as well as incidents of chemical and radiological nature that pose a potential hazard to public health;
c. the imposition of measures on the population which may be necessary to control or control a serious health incident and to be able to follow up the recommendations of the World Health Organisation;
d. the disclosure requirement and the imposition of instructions to port and aviation authorities and the alignment of measures with commanders of incoming and outgoing vessel and aircrafts with a potentially serious health incident; to be confronted.
1 Each of the countries shall be responsible and approachable for its actions or for the actions of its subordinates in the event of incidents. The States shall declare and restore any claim to any third party in respect of damage caused by subordinates or other persons related to the countries of the Union. Each country shall ensure adequate assurance from their subordinates in the exercise of common tasks of the Network-IGR.
2 The countries agree to carry out an evaluation of cooperation as mentioned in this mutual arrangement once every four years, or more frequently if necessary.
3 This mutual arrangement is for an indefinite period of time, except that the parties can terminate all the time separately.
4 In the case of disputes arising from this mutual arrangement, the parties will consult each other and resolve disputes amicable or via mediation. If this does not lead to a satisfactory outcome, an ad hoc committee will be set up with the aim of reaching a solution consisting of three members: one member appointed by the committee of advice and assistance, one member appointed by the four Ministers jointly and a third member appointed by the two aforementioned members together.
This arrangement shall enter into force from the second day following the day of the publication of the publication medium in which it is placed.
This arrangement will be arranged in the Official Gazette, Aruba's Landscourant, the Official Journal of Curaçao and the Official Journal of Sint Maarten.
For the Netherlands, including the Public Bodies Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius: TheMinister
of Public Health, Welfare and SportE.I. Schippers
For Aruba:The Minister for Health, Ouderry and Sport
C.A. Schwengle
For Curaçao:The Minister for Health, Environment and Nature
B. Whiteman
For Sint Maarten:The ad interim-Minister for Health, Social Affairs and Labour
R. Bourne-Gumbs
This Protocol describes the operational implementation of notifications, communication, decisions and interventions as referred to in Article 6 of the common rules.
1. The Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the Rijksinstituut for Health and the Environment (RIVM-CIb) functions as the National IHR Focal Point of the Kingdom, in the meaning of Article 1 of the International Health care scheme.
2. The Services specified in Article 4, two-part , from the mutual settlement act as (egg) national IGR contact points. (Art. (3) (1) and (2)
3. If the Director of RIVM-CIb gives execution to Article 3, fourth paragraph, By providing for a qualified doctor-infection control system which may, as a liaison officer, be able to keep an address for service in one of the Caribbean (egg) countries of the Kingdom, he shall do so in consultation with the Heads of Health Services mentioned in Article 4, second paragraph -From the intersettlement.
4. In the absence of a staff member as referred to in the previous paragraph, this shall be replaced by the duty physician of the 24-hour awareness-fighting service of the RIVM-CIb infection.
1. In order to prepare for the control and control of serious health incidents and to develop and maintain sufficient capacity to implement them in accordance with Article 5, first paragraph, Article 13, first paragraph, Article 19, Article 13, Article 13, Article 13, Article 13, Article 13, Article 13, Article 13, Article 20, first and second members, and the relevant Annexen of the International Health Regulations, each country is independently responsible within its territory. (Art. (2) (1) (c)
2. The countries shall stand by each other, according to their own resources, in the preparatory activities referred to in the preceding paragraph. The assistance shall cover the sharing of knowledge and experience, the exchange of relevant documents, the organisation of training, training and exercises, and all other contributions to a level of preparation appropriate to the socio-economic and the epidemiological circumstances of each of the (egg) countries. (Art. (2) (2) (2)
1. Environmental-related health incidents are understood as: incidents of bacteriological, chemical, radiologicalnuclear, biological (including maritime biological) nature, which may result in an emergency of international importance in the field of public health.
2. An environmental-related health incident that could potentially pose a risk to unimpeded progress of the international, or inter-island movement of persons or goods, is provided by the IGR Contact Point of the relevant (egg) country. It has been reported to the National IGR Coordination Point at Bilthoven.
3. For the risk assessment referred to in Article 6 (1) of this Protocol, of the environmental-related health incidents, the IGR contact point of the relevant (egg) country and the National IGR Coordination Point at Bilthoven shall see that the in contact with the Permanent Awareness Service of the RIVM (RIVM-VLH) Centre Security Centre Security, the site concerned shall be in contact with the local competent authority.
(1) If the Director of the RIVM-CIb gives execution to Article 3 (4) The national IGR coordination point should be read from the interregulation whenever the national IGR coordination point is discussed in these and the following paragraphs: Doctor-infectious disease control /liaisonofficial which has been appointed by the RIVM-CIb and is domiciled in one of the Caribbean (egg) countries of the Kingdom, unless the National IGR Coordination Point at Bilthoven is referred to.
2. With the ' health service ' or ' health services ' is referred to in this chapter and the following chapters, the (egg) rural services mentioned in Article 4, second paragraph , from the mutual arrangement
(1) Each country shall establish a list of obliged diseases to which, in any event, the diseases proposed by the national IGR Coordination Point at Bilthoven, in order to comply with the obligations of the IGR, shall be established.
2. The list is established by law or regulation and is undergoing adaptation when new or re-emerging diseases can pose a threat to public health in the country.
3. Each (egg) country shall maintain a permanent contact point for the statutory mandatory reporting of disease cases by doctors, laboratories or any other statutory staff member to that effect. (Art. (2) (2) (2)
4. The RIVM-CIb provides as necessary, and in consultation with the health services mentioned in Article 4, second paragraph , from the common arrangement, in an electronic communication system for the notifications referred to in the fourth and fifth paragraphs of this Article.
5. the national IGR coordination point shall receive from the island health service within 24 hours the data of the notifications referred to in the second paragraph. With regard to patients identifying personal data, the national IGR coordination point shall be subject to the same obligation of confidentiality as the official of the health service of the country concerned.
6. Upon initial notification by a physician or laboratory to the health department of (a conjecture of) a case of smallpox, poliomyelitis, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), viral haemorrhagic fever (ebola, lassa, marburg), or the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) 4 , the national IGR coordination point shall be notified without delay.
1. The national IGR Coordination Point shall assess the notifications received by Article 3, paragraph 2, and Article 5, fourth and fifth paragraph, of this Protocol to the international risk to public health, based on the criteria from Annex 2 of the International Health Regulations. (Art. (2) (3) (3)
2. The health service of the country to which it is concerned shall provide the national IGR coordination point with the additional medical, epidemiological, social and environmental information necessary to implement the risk assessment referred to in the preceding paragraph. keep and keep themselves available for all necessary communication.
3. Both in the event of a positive assessment, and in case of doubt about the international reporting dignity of an incident, the serving official of the national IGR coordination point overlays with the head of the health service of The (ei) country which enters it and with the duty-leaving watch of the National IGR Coordination Point at Bilthoven.
(4) If the serving official of the national IGR coordination point considers that an incident should be reported to the WHO, he shall report it immediately to the Director of the RIVM-CIb. He shall refer to the opinion of the head of the health department of the country in which it is concerned.
5. A decision to declare an incident under Article 6 or Article 7 IGR to the WHO as a national IGR coordination point as an event that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern, shall be taken by the Director of the International Trade Organisation (FSC). RIVM-CIb. (Art. (2) (3) (3)
6. Subject to the seventh paragraph of this Article, the international notification shall be made within 24 hours of the assessment 5 done by the National IGR Coordination Point at the WHO Regional Office for the Americas (PAHO) in Washington DC in the United States. A copy is sent simultaneously to the cabinet of the relevant Minister, the head of his health service and the WHO ' s regional office for Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark.
(7) The international notification referred to in the preceding paragraph shall not be made earlier than after the Minister responsible for public health of the country concerned by the national IGR coordination point has been informed of the intended notification and on the circumstances of the incident. In the absence of the Minister responsible for public health, the Minister of the country shall receive the information referred to. (Art. (2) (3) (3)
(1) The national IGR coordination point shall ensure the immediate transfer, through the (ei) national IGR contact points, to the Minister responsible for public health of the country concerned, of any alerting by the WHO of a serious health threat that may hit the country, as referred to in Article 11, first paragraph, of the IGR.
(2) Following an international notification as referred to in Article 6 of this Protocol, the Minister responsible for public health of the country shall assume responsibility for the content of any further communication with, and communication with, the WHO, as referred to in Article 6, second paragraph, Articles 7 to 10, and Article 11, second, third and fourth members, of the IGR. (Art. (6) (5)
3. In accordance with the requirement laid down in Article 4 (2) (a) and (b) of the IGR, the international communications referred to in the previous paragraph shall be carried out through the channel of the national IGR coordination point. (Art. (2) (3) (3)
4. The national IGR coordination point does not occur in the press or public communication of the country in the business of it. (Art. (6) (5)
(1) The Minister responsible for public health of the country to decide on the measures taken or imposed within its territory in order to control and combat serious health incidents within the meaning of the IGR. It also includes the measures taken in response to the recommendations which the WHO can make to a country under Articles 15 to 18 of the IGR. (Art. (6) (5)
(2) Before the Minister responsible for public health takes a measure as referred to in the previous article, he shall seek advice from his health service. The Health Service shall be assisted by the national IGR Coordination Point in the preparation of the opinion. (Art. (6) (5)
(3) The Minister responsible for the public health of the country in which it is concerned may ask the Director of the RIVM-CIb to convene an Outbreak Management Team (OMT) to advise him of the best medical-epidemiological advice possible. The Director shall decide on the experts to be invited to the OMT, taking into account the participation by the health service of the (ei) country in the field of which it is concerned. The debate in the OMT shall be confidential. After the Minister, after hearing the opinion of the OMT, has decided on the measures to be taken, the opinion shall be available to all persons for inspection. (Art. (2) (6) (6)
(1) In view of the implications for the international position of the Kingdom as a whole, a public health minister shall inform it of its intention to take or leave a measure to take a measure, thereby contrasts with a recommendation of the WHO, first of all, prior to the implementation of his decision, from the other 3 countries. (Art. (6) (7)
2. For communication with the WHO head office in Geneva, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands is responsible for coordinating responsibility.
