The purpose of the WHO guidance on Annex 2 is to help national authorities to use the decision instrument in assessing public health events that may require notification to WHO. The guidance document is targeted to National IHR Focal Points and others responsible for assessing the need to notify WHO of public health events under the Regulations.
The IHR (2005) and the related resolution adopting them require that the functioning of Annex 2 be regularly assessed after the Regulations entered into force. As discussed in the IHR Review Committee Report the functioning of the Annex has been evaluated for the first time in 2009/2010.
Note.— The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization resolved, in adopting Annex 2 in April 1948 and Amendment 1 to the said Annex in November 1951, that the Annex constitutes Rules relating to the flight and manoeuvre of aircraft within the meaning of Article 12 of the Convention.
On 27 November 1951, the Council adopted a complete new text of the Annex, which no longer contained Recommended Practices. The Standards of the amended Annex 2 (Amendment 1) became effective on 1 April 1952 and applicable on 1 September 1952.