The Pan-European Network for Disease Control (NDC) is designed as a network of networks that plays a vital role in facilitating collaboration, fostering knowledge sharing and promoting common standards for disease control across the WHO European Region. Currently, the Network is composed of national public health institutions, ministries of health and regional and subregional networks.

Its primary goal is to enhance preparedness and response capabilities across the pan-European region by fostering innovation and adopting new approaches. The NDC complements existing mechanisms, ensuring synergy and preventing duplication of efforts. With a member-driven, all-hazards approach, it brings together the expertise of its stakeholders to strengthen capacities, build resilience and create a network of networks for a more coordinated and effective emergency response.

Background

The report of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, “Drawing light from the pandemic: a new strategy for health and sustainable development” (Monti Commission report), recommended the establishment of a pan-European network for disease control. The rationale was rooted in the critical need to strengthen regional collaboration, made even more urgent by the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This recommendation was identified as a priority for accelerated implementation by the 29th Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe. Establishing the Network became one of the first concrete actions to reinforce the European architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience in the post-COVID-19 era.

Structure

The NDC operates as a key initiative within WHO/Europe’s Preparedness 2.0 strategy, aligning with WHO’s Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience proposals.

The Network’s Secretariat is managed by the WHO European Centre for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies, based in Istanbul.

Its inaugural meeting, held in April 2024 in London, was organized by the NDC Secretariat and hosted by the UK Health Security Agency. This launch laid the foundation for coordinated action and strengthened collaboration among Network members in pursuit of the shared goal of enhancing emergency preparedness in the Region.

Defining collaborative surveillance: A core concept for strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience (HEPR)

International Health Regulations (2005) – Third edition

Strengthening the global architecture for health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience