WHO launches five-year strategy to strengthen global epidemic intelligence by 2030

GERMANY— The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a five-year strategy for its Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin to help countries detect and understand emerging health threats within 24 hours by 2030.

Unveiled at the opening of the World Health Summit, the strategy aims to strengthen surveillance systems, data sharing and international cooperation so countries can identify potential outbreaks and respond before they develop into larger public health emergencies.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the strategy in the presence of Georg Kippels, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health.

He said the Hub had become an important part of the global health security system since its establishment five years ago.

“Its new strategy charts a clear path towards 2030, uniting governments and partners around a shared goal: a world in which every country can rapidly respond to health threats before they turn into major crises,” Tedros said.

Five initiatives underpin the strategy

Established in 2021 with initial support from the German Government, the Hub was created to address gaps in epidemic preparedness exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has since worked with 160 WHO Member States, 190 partner organisations and thousands of scientists and policymakers to improve the detection and assessment of emerging threats.

The new strategy will build on this work through five initiatives covering outbreak intelligence, pathogen surveillance, data science, collaborative surveillance and digital public health systems.

Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) uses artificial intelligence to scan publicly available information for signals of potential health threats.

The platform supports a global network of more than 4,000 experts and is used by over 125 Member States and 30 regional and international organisations.

By identifying warning signs earlier, the system helps public health authorities assess emerging risks and prioritise investigations.

The International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) strengthens genomic sequencing and bioinformatics capabilities to help countries identify and understand pathogens.

These capabilities can inform the development of diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines, while improving knowledge of how infectious agents emerge and spread.

The Collaboratory connects more than 2,000 modelling and data science experts who can support public health authorities when new threats arise.

Their work can help researchers analyse disease patterns, assess potential outbreak trajectories and inform response planning.

The Collaborative Surveillance Initiative supports national institutions, public health systems and workforces in more than 83 countries.

It applies a One Health approach, integrating information on human, animal and environmental health to improve the detection of threats that may cross species or spread between communities.

The Digital Enablers for Public Health Intelligence Initiative, a new programme under the strategy, will develop secure digital systems that allow countries and partners to share, analyse and use health data.

It will also support the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in public health intelligence.

Data sharing and investment remain central

The strategy places stronger emphasis on connecting surveillance networks, scientific expertise and digital infrastructure across national borders.

Faster access to reliable information can help authorities assess risks earlier, coordinate investigations and make decisions about public health interventions.

For governments, laboratories and research institutions, these priorities increase the importance of interoperable data systems, genomic surveillance, bioinformatics expertise and sustained investment in public health infrastructure.

Cross-sector cooperation will also be necessary to address threats that emerge at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health.

The Hub operates within WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, convening partners and mobilising scientific expertise to support preparedness and response.

Delivering the strategy’s 2030 target will require continued investment, trusted partnerships and cooperation across countries and disciplines

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