As public health emergencies increase in scale, intensity and complexity, they can strain countries’ resources and complicate coordination. Public health emergency operations centres (PHEOCs) serve as coordination mechanisms to address health consequences of emergencies, from volcanic eruptions to disease outbreaks. Whether physical or virtual, these centres emerged from the need to improve coordination of response efforts to minimize the impact of emergencies on the population and ultimately save lives.
Within PHEOCs, experts from various sectors − emergency management, public health, communications, finance, logistics and administration − work together to effectively respond to health emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities. To boost national capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Network (EOC-NET) in 2012. Currently, EOC-NET membership consists of more than 350 individuals from 70 countries with a shared vision of promoting well-functioning public health emergency operations. Through EOC-NET, WHO facilitates training among PHEOC personnel, shares guidance and creates opportunities for professionals in the network to continuously learn and improve.
Building networks of solidarity beyond borders
A well-functioning PHEOC features clearly defined staff roles and responsibilities, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. Real-time data management allows for surveillance, analysis and rapid detection of emerging health threats. Regular training and simulation exercises ensure readiness, while mechanisms for timely information sharing and public communication foster transparency and trust.
From 23 to 25 April 2024, 23 representatives from 15 countries across the Western Pacific Region joined the Global EOC-NET Meeting in Dubai to explore strategies for establishing and sustaining fully functioning PHEOCs. Among the 150 participants from around the world, Dr Veniana Madanavosa, a subdivisional medical officer with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, highlighted the value of the Global EOC-NET meeting, saying, “We can learn from how other Member States have advocated for and sensitized decision-makers to implement PHEOC guidelines.”
Reflecting on her experience at the meeting, Dr ‘Ana Mahe, a medical officer with the Ministry of Health in Tonga, said: “It was encouraging to hear from experts in the field of emergency operations as they shared success stories around establishing PHEOCs in their countries.” Dr Mahe identified the urgent need for clear PHEOC roles, responsibilities and coordination mechanisms. “We cannot wait for an emergency to activate emergency operations centres. We need to emphasize proactive preparation through simulation exercises, capacity-building initiatives, and adherence to established guidelines”
WHO works alongside ministries of health and other emergency response agencies to improve countries’ ability to respond to threats to health.
Financial support from the United States Agency for International Development, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan advances the work of PHEOCs in the Region.