Context In 2019, WHO designated the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) as the first WHO Collaborating Centre for the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). Over the past five years, the centre has played a key role in shaping GOARN’s strategy, strengthening capacity building, and supporting international…
Context Since 2020, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) collaborates with Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to establish the Namibia Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and to strengthen different Public Health (PH) functions. The NIPH was approved by the Namibian Cabinet in March 2024. National Public Health Institutes…
Context National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) support political decision-makers in developing effective immunisation strategies. Experiences gained in previous projects have shown that NITAGs in middle-income countries (MICs) in the WHO European Region operate at varying levels. Together with the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO EURO), STEP seeks to…
Context Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories (RRMLs) provide crucial support during infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises by enabling on-site testing and diagnostics. During these emergencies, countries can experience gaps in human and infrastructural resources, underscoring the need for flexible and portable laboratory solutions. SMILE strengthens emergency response capacities…
Context Governments in low- and middle-income countries face staff shortages in public health research due to limited resources. This limits their ability to address local health problems and contributes to increased mortality and morbidity. The project SCAPHeR builds on the GHPP project CARe and aims to strengthen applied public health…
Context Acute health crises put pressure on health systems and undermine access to medical care in the affected regions. Building on the previous projects EMT TT and EMT TTT, this project supports EMT response mechanisms and partnerships in the WHO AFRO and EURO regions. This is to ensure quality health…
Context The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of genomic surveillance for protecting public health. By analysing the genetic material of viruses, outbreaks can be detected earlier, transmission pathways can be understood, and effective control measures can be implemented. This is particularly useful, for example, when new variants emerge or…
Context Natural and (un-)intentional disease outbreaks pose major risks. Effective outbreak management and compliance with International Health Regulations require a skilled, well-trained workforce. Innovative, sustainable training initiatives are needed to strengthen competency and capacity. The FOR-GHP project uses a multiplier approach to enhance health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience among…