ECDC participates in the eighth EMPHNET Regional Conference on advancing public health preparedness and response
As part of the EU Initiative on Health Security, four representatives from ECDC took part in the recently concluded eighth Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) conference, which focused on public health preparedness and response.
The conference, held under the theme ‘Advancing Public Health Preparedness and Response: Challenges, Opportunities, and Ways Forward’, focused on the importance of robust public health preparedness. The event took place in Amman, Jordan, from 15 to 18 September 2024.
ECDC experts contributed to key discussions, including two significant panel sessions, in which they highlighted the work of the EU Initiative on Health Security. One panel discussion centred on multisectoral coordination, emphasising the need for a cohesive response across different sectors during public health emergencies. The second panel addressed pandemic preparedness, focusing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps needed to enhance future resilience in the region.
The EMPHNET Regional Conference continues to serve as an influential platform for advancing the collective response to public health challenges worldwide. The conference gathered a wide range of public health professionals, including high-level officials from the Eastern Mediterranean Region, United Nations agencies and other international organisations, and academia.
The event reinforced the importance of building resilient health systems that can effectively manage public health crises. Through active participation, ECDC highlighted the need for continued investment in public health preparedness, cross-border collaboration, and the sharing of scientific expertise.
