The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), an initiative driven by the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrates a significant milestone today, marking its 25th anniversary. Since its establishment in April 2000, GOARN has remained steadfast at the helm of the international effort against health emergencies. With an array of global partners, the network has effectively facilitated alerts, deployed rapid support, and fortified capacities—dramatically improving nation-level operations and enhancing regional development. This initiative has proved indispensable in health preparedness and response.
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“GOARN is a vital part of the global health architecture,” remarked Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Through the network, nations receive the expert backing required to manage health emergencies and bolster their own preparedness and response capabilities. This equates to swifter, more efficient interventions, and ultimately, more lives saved.”
GOARN emerged from a realization of the need for improved coordination during global health emergencies. Previously, numerous partner organizations were offering assistance, but a lack of coordination hampered these efforts. Furthermore, no single entity could manage every component of a response effectively on its own. This reality led to GOARN’s inception at a pivotal international meeting hosted by WHO in Geneva from April 26–28, 2000. Around 121 representatives from 67 partner organizations convened to address the mounting challenge of epidemic-prone diseases, recognizing the urgent necessity for a global network built on existing partnerships.
In October 2000, GOARN made a substantial impact during the Ebola outbreak in Gulu, Uganda. This event marked a crucial step in a quarter-century span of vital global health responses.
“As one of the initial responders during the Ebola outbreak in Uganda 25 years ago, I witnessed firsthand the evolution of our response efforts,” shared Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and Deputy Director-General of WHO. “When I returned to Uganda earlier this year for another Ebola response, I was immensely proud to see the increase in national capacities, led by the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and GOARN partners. GOARN exemplifies the power of multilateralism in saving lives. Even today, I wear the orange GOARN lanyard along with my blue WHO badge to honor this network.”
GOARN harnesses the collective expertise of its partner institutions to tackle global health challenges. Functioning as an international community, the network swiftly and efficaciously responds to public health threats by deploying crucial technical experts to the right locations at the right time. The mission of GOARN is to strengthen countries’ capabilities and foster the development of resilient emergency response systems.
The network ensures that experts are equipped with the necessary skills and training before being dispatched, ensuring a smooth, coordinated, and effective response.
Today, GOARN comprises over 310 institutions, including national public health agencies, NGOs, UN agencies, academics, and other technical organizations. It has responded to over 175 public health emergencies across 114 countries, deploying more than 3645 international responders. These experts integrate seamlessly with national teams, collaborating with thousands of local professionals to enhance and bolster local efforts. GOARN has addressed major global public health issues such as SARS, Ebola, Marburg virus, COVID-19, cholera, and the challenges stemming from natural disasters and conflicts. Additionally, it has offered hands-on training to hundreds of national teams, bolstering their immediate response and long-term resilience.
“Reflecting on the past 25 years, it’s astounding how GOARN evolved from a mere concept to a vital player in the global health emergency arena,” noted Ray R. Arthur, PhD, former Director of the Global Disease Detection Operations Center at CDC and Former Chair of the GOARN Steering Committee. “Having played a part in the network’s founding, I witnessed firsthand the commitment and collaboration underpinning its success. GOARN has played an unmatched role in not only rapidly responding to health emergencies but also in fortifying global health preparedness, ensuring nations are better equipped for tomorrow’s challenges. It’s a privilege to see the network continue its critical mission in safeguarding public health worldwide.”
GOARN now represents a crucial component of the Global Health Emergency Corps, ensuring a meticulously coordinated health emergency workforce that’s anchored locally but connected regionally and globally. Marking 25 years offers an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable evolution of GOARN’s role in preparedness and response. Rather than extensive international deployments, the network strategically places the necessary expertise to address critical gaps. This focus, coupled with ongoing capacity-building initiatives, has showcased GOARN’s effectiveness in empowering countries to handle emergencies independently.
GOARN urges all Member States, partners, and the global community to maintain collaborations toward establishing a resilient, equitable global health emergency framework capable of addressing future challenges.
Voices from GOARN, past and present:
Dr. Mohannad Al-Nsour, Executive Director, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) and current Chair of the GOARN Steering Committee, emphasized: “As global threats from epidemics, conflicts, and humanitarian crises rise, GOARN’s role remains critical. The network is often called into increasingly complex scenarios where health emergencies intersect with deep humanitarian challenges. GOARN must continue to evolve, enhancing its reach and strengthening collaboration to meet these urgent needs.”
Daniela Garone, Infectious Diseases Specialist, and Dr. Edmund Newman highlighted: “Pondering GOARN’s 25-year journey, we are proud to contribute as active partners of a network that’s instrumental in life-saving endeavors and health response fortification. From its modest beginnings to its current stature as a global health pillar, GOARN underscores the power of collaboration. As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing resilient public health systems and adapting to the emerging challenges, fostering robust partnerships for future crises.”
Myriam Henkens MD, MPH, extended her thoughts: “Over the past 25 years, GOARN has stood as a cornerstone in the fight against health emergencies. As an active participant with MSF, I’ve worked alongside GOARN to enhance health systems and expedite global responses to upcoming challenges.”
Gail Carson reflected: “Serving as Chair of the GOARN Steering Committee has been among my proudest achievements. With roots dating back to the first Ebola response, I’ve consistently seen the global community’s unwavering support during crises. GOARN continues to adapt to new challenges. Its core strength remains: being the go-to partner in a health emergency.”
John S. Mackenzie noted: “GOARN was founded on the belief that outbreak response could be amplified through coordinated action. Serving initially on its Steering Committee remains a career highlight. GOARN has grown into a formidable force in public health, rooted in collaboration and a commitment to service.”
Pat Drury shared: “GOARN has been more than a professional journey—it’s about making a real difference during some of the most challenging outbreaks, from Ebola to COVID-19. Its strengths lie in connecting expertise, turning alerts into immediate action. In a polarized world, GOARN’s role in mobilizing science and fostering trust is indispensable. Congratulations on a remarkable 25-year impact, and a heartfelt thank you to those who made it possible.”
Source: WHO
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
