Strengthening national capacities for epidemic preparedness and response in support to national implementation of IHR (2005)

Overview

The WHO Lyon Office for National Epidemic Preparedness and Response organized an International Consultation on "Strengthening National Capacities for Epidemic Preparedness and Response in Support to the National Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005)" from 2–5 May 2006, in Lyon, France. The general objective of the consultation was to identify the best strategic approaches to improve national capacities for epidemic alert and response in the context of IHR(2005).

The specific objectives were to:

• define the key components and elements of national epidemic preparedness and response in the context of IHR(2005);
• identify needs, strategies and mechanisms for reinforcing national capacities in the context of IHR(2005), with a focus on epidemiological and laboratory capacities for surveillance, preparedness and response to epidemics and other public health risks and emergencies;
• determine the role of WHO and partners in supporting the development, strengthening and maintenance of national capacities for epidemic alert, response, and monitoring and evaluation in the framework of IHR(2005).

The consultation brought together over 100 health professionals from more than 30 countries, including staff from government, nongovernmental and academic institutions, and also staff from WHO headquarters, regional and country offices.