IBBIS Senior Fellow Mayra Ameneiros was honored to participate in the 2nd Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of the Republic of Korea, under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

The JEE is a voluntary, collaborative, multisectoral process led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess country capacities to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to public health risks, whether those risks are natural, deliberate, or accidental. To date, 179 JEE missions have been completed across 127 countries.

The evaluation helps countries identify the most critical gaps within their health systems, enabling them to prioritize opportunities to strengthen preparedness and response. The JEE covers 19 key technical areas. Mayra had the privilege of leading the technical area “Biosafety and Biosecurity” and co-leading the “National laboratory systems” and “Linking public health and security authorities” areas.

Key Highlights from the Republic of Korea Mission

The Republic of Korea demonstrated remarkable strengths across preparedness, innovation, and coordination, while embracing the spirit of global collaboration. Examples include:

• Advanced intersectoral coordination, particularly through a One Health approach.
• Innovative involvement of the private sector in biosafety and biosecurity.
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance is extending even to hospitalized companion animals.
• Proactive anticipation of emerging food safety challenges, including those linked to online trade.
• Effective use of digital technologies to save time during crisis response.
• Robust legal frameworks and long-term strategies.

The mission produced 81 recommendations: 5 general recommendations on governance, sustainable financing, and Korea’s international role, and 76 technical recommendations across the JEE domains. A key message emerged:

Even the most advanced systems must continue to adapt. Climate change, new patterns of mobility, and the potential emergence of unknown pathogens (“Disease X”) demand constant vigilance.

A Spirit of Global Collaboration

The JEE is not only a technical evaluation but also a unique moment to strengthen international cooperation. The governments of China, Finland, France, Japan, and Singapore, and the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) provided technical experts for the peer review process.

From lab benches to border controls, the Republic of Korea’s JEE showed how integrated systems strengthen biosafety, biosecurity, and health security when it matters most. ― Mayra Ameneiros, IBBIS Senior Fellow

IBBIS is proud to have contributed to this effort, which illustrates how global health security can be enhanced through expertise, political will, and collaboration. Together, we are building a safer, healthier world.