First consultation meeting on a framework for public health emergency operations centres

Overview

A functioning public health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is an effective means of coordinating partners responding to public health events and emergencies. EOCs are central locations for strategic management of emergencies that have public health consequences. The terms used to refer to such EOCs vary widely, and include “health operations centre” and “coordination centre”. To promote best practice and standards and support capacity building for EOCs, WHO has established the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Network (EOC-NET).

In developing evidence-based recommendations for EOCs, WHO has initiated several research projects, including a series of five systematic reviews and a glossary development project. Based on research findings and expert consultations, a draft framework document was developed entitled A Framework for Public Health EOCs (henceforth the “EOC Framework”). The framework document aims to provide guidance on creating, using and assessing public health EOCs.