Interpol
Global police-cooperation organisation partnering with WHO on biological and other cross-border threats.
In 2026, Interpol remained an intergovernmental police-co-operation network for 196 member countries, connecting national authorities without exercising supranational police powers.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How will INTERPOL and WHO divide command during a suspected deliberate biological event?
Timeline for Interpol
Mentioned in: Florida AG secures Raúl Castro warrant
Cuba DispatchSigned an agreement with WHO on unusual biological events
Pandemics and Biosecurity: UN adopts a declaration on pandemicsBackground
Interpol is an intergovernmental organisation that enables police in 196 member countries to exchange criminal information and co-ordinate across borders. It supports national authorities rather than acting as a supranational police force. Warrants, arrests and prosecutions remain grounded in national law.
Its network also covers threats that cross the boundary between public safety and public health. Co-operation with WHO includes unusual biological events, chemical and radiological incidents, falsified medical products and security around major gatherings. That remit links police information and health expertise when an incident may be natural, accidental or deliberate, while leaving legal powers with member countries.
What is INTERPOL?
Why are INTERPOL and WHO working together?
What incidents does the INTERPOL and WHO agreement cover?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.