The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), an international network for outbreak alert and response that was established in 2000, met to discuss the implementation of GOARN’s recently launched strategy 2022-2026. The workshop is attended by representatives of the network’s members from the different regions and is being co-hosted in Jordan between May 8 and 12, 2023 by the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) and WHO.

 

These events are the result of collective work and effort between GOARN, WHO headquarters, WHO Regional Office, WHO country office in Jordan, and EMPHNET.  During the opening ceremony, H.E. Professor Feras Hawari, Jordan Ministry of Health, Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (virtual), Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan, Dr Gail Carson Chair of GAORN Steering Committee welcomed the participants and initiated the events. Dr Mohannad Al Nsour Executive Director of EMPHNET and Vice Chair of GOARN Steering Committee welcomed all partners in attendance as a host.

 

The implementation workshop comes after three months since the launch of the strategy which was developed by GOARN’s global partners to ensure that the GOARN remains strategically focused during the next four years to ensure preparedness for and appropriate responses to public health emergencies. The strategy themes aim to apply a community-centered approach, renew commitment to the global public health emergency workforce, create solutions for better responses, and promote collaborative response.

 

The workshop is the first of many next steps that the strategy development will aid in its implementation. Through it, GOARN and its partners will advocate for and increase opportunities for partners to engage in delivering key activities for the priorities of this strategy, including collaboration and co-ownership of projects at national, regional, and global levels. The implementation plan and documentation of the resources required will support and guide partners, stakeholders, GOARN, its Operational Support Team, and its Steering Committee in operations, development, and oversight.

 

 

Following this workshop, GOARN’s Steering Committee, which had a core role in developing and monitoring the Strategy for GOARN will hold its 33rd meeting to focus on how to transition from the discussions at the strategy workshop to decision making and execution by GOARN partners.