The document provides an overview of the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005. The IHR are a legally binding framework that was established to help prevent the international spread of disease while avoiding unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade. The IHR require countries to strengthen their disease surveillance and response systems and to assess and report any public health events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern within 24 hours. The document discusses Afghanistan's progress in implementing the IHR, including establishing an IHR focal point and conducting assessments, as well as ongoing challenges to fully meeting all IHR core capacity requirements.