The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 2000, GOARN has played a critical role in the global fight against health emergencies, deploying rapid support capacities and strengthening country-level operations.
GOARN has responded to over 175 public health emergencies in 114 countries, deploying more than 3,645 international responders. The network has tackled major global health events, including outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised GOARN, saying it is a “vital part of the global health architecture” that provides expert support to countries responding to health emergencies. GOARN’s goal is to strengthen countries’ capacities and build resilient systems for responding to emergencies.
The network has evolved over the years, shifting from deploying large numbers of international professionals to focusing on capacity strengthening and training initiatives. GOARN now brings in only the necessary expertise to address critical gaps on the ground, empowering countries to manage emergencies themselves.
WHO/Sankofaonline
