WHO launches new country guidance for health emergency coordination

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive new guide titled the “National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework”, designed to help countries enhance their preparedness and capacity to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

Developed in collaboration with international experts and organizations, and informed by real-world experiences including the COVID-19 pandemic, this framework provides a consistent and evidence-based approach to health emergency management.

Health emergencies are becoming increasingly frequent and complex, driven by factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, geopolitical shifts, and greater global mobility. The new guidance equips both national and subnational authorities with practical tools and strategies to ensure a rapid, coordinated, and multi-sectoral response, aimed at minimizing human suffering and loss of life during crises.

The framework consolidates the core components of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (HEPR) architecture, incorporating over 300 recommendations derived from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended for government authorities and all stakeholders involved in emergency response, offering practical instruments such as checklists and flowcharts, with references to existing WHO and partner guidance.

It also outlines the various stages of emergency management—from detection and notification, risk assessment, and activation of emergency procedures, to response operations and performance review. Furthermore, it integrates performance evaluation into emergency response across different types of hazards, introducing specific timelines for key activities in both outbreaks and disasters. The framework builds on the “7-1-7 Evaluation Model”, which sets performance goals of 7 days to detect an outbreak, 1 day to notify public health authorities, and 7 days to complete early response actions.

This new guidance is part of WHO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national and local capacity for emergency response. By establishing a unified and standardized framework, WHO aims to help all countries respond more effectively to any public health emergency, at any scale.

Source:

World Health Organization