WHO’s work in health emergencies: Strengthening WHO’s global emergency preparedness and response’

Following the adoption of resolution WHA73.8 in November 2020, on strengthening preparedness for health emergencies: implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005), the Officers of the Executive Board proposed that the Director-General prepare a report on strengthening WHO’s global emergency preparedness and response for consideration by the Board at its 148th session. As important reviews and initiatives are still in progress, the present report aims to facilitate a forward-looking discussion the opportunities for making progress on strengthening the capacity of the WHO Secretariat and Member States to fulfil their respective roles in preventing, detecting and responding to health emergencies.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis and other recent health emergencies have shown that the world is still not effectively able to prepare for, predict, prevent, respond to and recover from a multicountry outbreak or pandemic. The risks of a crisis on the scale of COVID-19 were known but were not adequately addressed. The risks of a similar or more severe emergency in the future are real; the devastating toll of COVID-19 must mark a turning point in the way we prepare for and respond to health emergencies. Collectively, we must take the path of sustained, considered and concerted action now if we are to achieve global health security and avoid the catastrophic impact of global health emergencies in the future.

Meaningful improvements are urgently needed to strengthen the capacity of Member States and WHO to meet their obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005) to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies, including outbreaks, in order to protect and improve global public health.

A number of key areas for action are listed, for consideration.