A third innovation under IHR (2005) is the requirement for member states to designate "national IHR focal points" as the operational link for notifi cation and reporting to WHO and for WHO to name corresponding "IHR contact points." Effective communication between these 2 organizational entities will be central to the rapid management of a possible public health emergency of international concern. IHR focal points, or their designees, are required by IHR (2005) to be accessible at all times.