The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at tackling fake medicines, illegal organ trafficking and other threats to public health and security.
The agreement, announced on October 16, 2026, establishes a framework for closer collaboration between international public health authorities and law enforcement agencies to prevent, detect and respond to threats that endanger lives across the world.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership will focus on criminal activities involving falsified medical products, the exploitation of vulnerable people and the illegal trade in goods that can cause harm to consumers.
The agreement brings together WHO’s public health expertise and INTERPOL’s international law enforcement capabilities to help countries identify emerging threats and strengthen their responses.
Fake medicines, organ trafficking among key concerns
Under the agreement, both organizations will work to address the production and trade of falsified medical products, including medicines, vaccines and medical devices.
Other products covered include counterfeit personal protective equipment, unsafe or fraudulently labelled food and drinks, and illegally produced alcohol. The partnership will also address trafficking in people for the purpose of organ removal, alongside the illegal trade in human organs, tissues and cells.
These activities can expose people to serious health risks, undermine public confidence in healthcare systems and exploit individuals who may already be in vulnerable circumstances.
WHO has previously warned that substandard and falsified medical products remain a significant global health concern. Such products may fail to treat or prevent disease as intended and can expose patients to additional harm.
The new agreement is intended to strengthen international cooperation in identifying and responding to these threats, particularly where criminal activity crosses national borders.
Beyond illegal products and trafficking, the partnership will support coordinated responses to exceptional health and security incidents, including suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive materials and unusual biological events, whether accidental, deliberate or naturally occurring.
WHO and INTERPOL will also coordinate efforts to help countries prepare for potential health threats during major international events and mass gatherings.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said stronger collaboration with INTERPOL would reinforce the international community’s ability to prevent harm, respond to emergencies and protect people from threats affecting health systems and public trust.
The agreement also provides for cooperation supporting the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Although the announcement establishes a framework for collaboration, it does not detail specific new enforcement operations or announce immediate arrests arising from the agreement.
The partnership reflects growing recognition that protecting public health requires cooperation between health authorities and law enforcement, particularly when illegal activities threaten consumers across multiple countries.
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