The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a set of legally binding agreements established by the World Health Organization (WHO). They aim to enhance global health security by providing a framework for countries to report and respond to public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks and pandemics. The IHR help ensure that nations work together to prevent the spread of diseases across borders. Adopted in 2005, the IHR require countries to develop their health systems and capacities to detect, assess, and respond to health threats. This includes sharing information about potential health risks and coordinating responses to protect public health globally.