The webpage “Health emergency readiness for response operations” on the OpenWHO platform presents an online learning course developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to introduce the concept of operational readiness for health emergency response. The training explains how governments, hea ... lth authorities and partners can prepare systems, procedures, resources and coordination mechanisms so they are able to respond quickly and effectively to outbreaks, disasters or other public-health emergencies. It covers key elements such as risk assessment, preparedness planning, coordination between organizations and the Minimum Operational Readiness Standards used to strengthen emergency response capacities. Overall, the webpage aims to help health professionals and emergency responders understand how to build and improve operational readiness so that health systems can react efficiently when emergencies occur. more

The document provides a standardized protocol for evaluating the Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN), a surveillance system used during humanitarian emergencies when regular national health surveillance may be disrupted. The purpose of EWARN is to detect outbreaks of communicable diseas ... es early and enable rapid public health response. The guidance explains how the system should be assessed in terms of its structure, implementation, effectiveness, and usefulness. It outlines the key steps of evaluation: preparation, system description, data collection, and post-evaluation reporting. The protocol highlights common challenges observed in previous EWARN implementations, such as delays in establishing the system, limited data quality, weak outbreak response, and lack of clear transition plans back to routine surveillance systems. It emphasizes the need to evaluate both weekly disease reporting and alert verification processes, and to review attributes such as simplicity, data quality, timeliness, sensitivity, and stability. The document also provides templates for interviews, data review forms, and laboratory assessment, as well as guidance on conducting remote evaluations when access is limited. The overall goal of the protocol is to ensure that EWARN functions effectively to detect and respond to outbreaks and that practical recommendations are developed to improve the system’s performance and sustainability in emergency settings. more

The document “Hospital Preparedness for Epidemics” published by the World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidance on how hospitals and healthcare facilities can prepare for and respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. It outlines key components of epidemic preparedness, including ... planning and management structures, infection prevention and control, communication systems, human resource management, logistics, laboratory capacity, and the continuity of essential health services. The guide emphasizes the importance of coordination within hospitals and with public health authorities, as well as training staff and ensuring adequate supplies and infrastructure. Overall, the document serves as a practical framework to help hospitals strengthen their readiness, maintain critical healthcare services, and respond efficiently during epidemics or other health emergencies. more