New Vulnerabilities
Background
STAG-IH provides independent advice and analysis to WHO on the infectious hazards that may pose a potential threat to global health security. It has an umbrella function as the overarching group advising WHO on relevant infectious hazards. The STAG-IH was established by the WHO Director-General in 2018 following the recommendation made by the Review Committee on the Role of the International Health Regulations (2005) in the Ebola Outbreak and Response (WHA/69/21).
STAG-IH meets annually with advisory groups and WHO Collaborating Centres relevant to pandemic preparedness to discuss strategic issues.
The 2023 annual meeting is planned to be held in WHO HQ (Geneva) from 23 to 24 November 2023. The proposed theme of this year is ‘New Vulnerabilities’. Epidemics and pandemic foresight revealed several critical drivers that may fuel future outbreaks and pandemics. Among these drivers, the meeting will focus on increasing signals of new vulnerabilities arising from climate and biodiversity change, increased human-animal interface interaction, cyber and information threats, biosecurity issues and conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Objectives
This meeting convenes specifically to:
- Provide strategic advice to WHO to address future epidemic and pandemic threats and develop effective preparedness approach:
- Review landscape analysis and horizon scanning;
- Discuss implication of the new vulnerabilities on health and explore mitigation strategies;
- Achieve consensus on strategy and priority actions.
- Advise WHO on strategic direction on other major issues related to epidemic and pandemic preparedness, prevention and response and collaboration.
- Host discussion and information exchange among WHO Collaborating Centres, advisory groups and other public health leadership e.g., GPMB.
Agenda