WHO Europe launches the first Pan-European Network for Disease Control

WHO Europe today jointly launched the Pan-European Network for Disease Control (NDC) with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The NDC will be hosted by UKHSA, with UKHSA Chief Executive Dame Jenny Harries as interim Chair of the Steering Group. 

As a network of health security networks, the NDC’s mission is to bolster the preparedness of the WHO European Region, spanning 53 countries across Europe and central Asia, by proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks before they escalate into regional or global threats. The NDC will:

• play a vital role in keeping people safe by facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among nations, public health agencies, academia and civil society;
• promote common standards to help facilitate a unified approach to disease management across Europe and central Asia;
• leverage the existing networks convened through WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to create opportunities for technical collaboration and research;
• promote the development of innovative approaches by facilitating the sharing of case studies, technical expertise, best practices and resources to help NDC members and WHO European Member States develop new skills and partnerships; and
• improve interdisciplinary coordination among animal, human and environmental sectors at national, regional and global levels, taking a One Health approach to disease control.