Many public health events and emergencies and their associated risk factors could be prevented, or their effects mitigated. However, the health systems in most countries remain inadequate. To avert and mitigate the effects of health security risks and emergencies, countries are urged to implement Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) guidelines. These guidelines recommend thresholds for action on priority diseases, public health events and conditions and for responding to alerts. Using these action thresholds can be lifesaving.
