The World Health Organization (WHO) is strengthening international efforts to identify and understand emerging health threats faster, as its Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin marks its fifth anniversary with a new strategic direction.

The initiative aims to improve how countries and international partners share information, analyse health risks and prepare for potential outbreaks. Its central ambition is to enable emerging health threats to be detected and understood within 24 hours by 2030, supporting faster and better-informed public health decisions.

Strengthening Global Pandemic Intelligence

Established in Berlin, Germany, the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence works to strengthen the use of data, analytics and collaborative intelligence in protecting populations from epidemics and pandemics.

The initiative focuses on improving the way information about potential health threats is collected, interpreted and shared. Detecting unusual patterns early can help public health authorities investigate possible outbreaks, assess risks and determine whether coordinated action is necessary.

The new strategy places greater emphasis on bringing countries and partners together, recognising that infectious diseases can cross borders before their full impact becomes apparent. Timely information exchange can therefore play an important role in reducing delays between the emergence of a threat and the response to it.

Why the 24-Hour Target Matters

Infectious disease outbreaks can develop rapidly, making early recognition particularly important. Delays in identifying a threat or understanding its potential consequences can limit the time available for health authorities to prepare and respond.

The WHO Hub’s 2030 objective seeks to shorten this critical period by strengthening the systems and partnerships needed to identify and interpret emerging threats. Achieving the target will require effective surveillance, reliable data, analytical capacity and cooperation among participating countries and organisations.

The 24-hour ambition is a strategic goal, not a guarantee that every future outbreak will be identified or fully assessed within that period. Its achievement will depend on the availability and quality of information, as well as the ability of public health systems to act on emerging evidence.

International Cooperation at the Centre

The strategy highlights the importance of collective action in pandemic preparedness. Countries and partner organisations hold different types of health information and scientific expertise, making cooperation essential for building a broader understanding of risks.

Germany continues to support the WHO initiative, with Berlin serving as the hub’s base for advancing international collaboration in epidemic and pandemic intelligence.

As the initiative enters its next phase, its progress will depend on translating improved data analysis and information sharing into practical capabilities that help authorities recognise threats earlier and make informed decisions.

The anniversary marks an opportunity to strengthen global health intelligence and reinforce cooperation against future epidemics and pandemics. By pursuing its 2030 target, the WHO Hub aims to help countries move towards a more connected and responsive system for anticipating health threats and protecting communities worldwide.