Africa: WHO Pandemic Hub Sets Ambitious Goal to Detect New Outbreaks Within 24 Hours

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan for its Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Hub, with the goal of equipping every nation to detect and comprehend new health threats within 24 hours of their emergence by 2030. Rapid outbreak detection is essential for global health security, enabling countries to contain issues before they escalate into widespread epidemics or international spread.

The Hub's strategy aims to provide countries with the necessary capabilities to rapidly identify and understand emerging health threats, thereby bolstering their capacity to prevent outbreaks from turning into full-blown epidemics or pandemics. At the opening of the World Health Summit in Berlin, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the Hub's progress over its first five years, emphasizing its pivotal role in the global health security system.

The Hub, established in 2021 with German government support, has collaborated with 160 member states, 190 partners, and thousands of experts to detect new epidemic threats, sequence pathogens, and facilitate swift actions to safeguard communities worldwide. The upcoming strategy will focus on five key initiatives to build upon these successes and deliver its mission through a collaborative approach.

As a vital component of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the Hub serves as a catalyst for innovation and a mobilizer of expertise and resources. To achieve its ambitious targets, sustained investment, trusted partnerships, and strong cooperation across sectors, disciplines, and borders are essential. The WHO remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all people, guided by science and leading global efforts to provide equitable access to a safe and healthy life for everyone, everywhere.