GOARN Marks 25 Years of Global Health Impact
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Established in April 2000 to strengthen coordination during global health emergencies, GOARN has grown into a network of over 310 institutions, responding to more than 175 public health crises in 114 countries. It was created following an international meeting recognizing the need for a unified, rapid response mechanism to health threats.
GOARN’s swift deployments have addressed major outbreaks, including Ebola, SARS, COVID-19, mpox, and cholera, and responded to disasters like earthquakes and wars. The network focuses on providing targeted expertise, strengthening country-level capacities, and ensuring better preparedness for future emergencies. Over 3645 experts have been deployed, working alongside national teams to bolster local response systems and resilience.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised GOARN's role in saving lives through rapid, coordinated action. Leaders like Dr. Mike Ryan, Ray R. Arthur, and Gail Carson reflected on the network’s evolution from an ambitious idea to a cornerstone of global health response. Current and former GOARN leaders emphasized the network's continued relevance amid rising global challenges like conflict and complex humanitarian crises.
Today, GOARN is a vital part of the Global Health Emergency Corps, calling on countries and partners to strengthen collaborative efforts for a resilient and equitable global health emergency architecture. As it looks to the future, GOARN remains committed to empowering countries to manage health emergencies independently while fostering global solidarity.
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