Health Innovation & Safety | Global Threat Solutions
WHO Berlin Hub Plays Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness
Updated June 18, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) is bolstering global defenses against future pandemics through its Berlin-based Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence.The hub is developing new tools and partnerships, including real-time threat detection and advanced genomic analysis of viruses, to enhance global health security.
Recognizing that health threats can rapidly spread across borders, the WHO emphasizes constant innovation in pandemic prevention. The Berlin Hub, established three years ago, now supports over 150 countries in improving their ability to detect and respond to health crises.
A key initiative is Collaborative Surveillance, which promotes international data and data sharing to enable quicker detection and control of outbreaks. The Hub’s early warning system, Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS), uses artificial intelligence to efficiently scan online sources for potential public health threats.
Pathogen genomics is also playing a vital role. The Hub’s International pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) connects over 235 organizations and countries to expand genomic surveillance, supported by a $4 million fund for low- and middle-income countries.
To aid decision-makers, the Hub is developing a platform to visualize disease transmission and simulate the impact of countermeasures. This pandemic simulator aims to provide actionable insights for effective crisis response.
“The Hub is ensuring that the most robust tools and analytics are available to enhance early threat detection and rapid response and support decision-makers around the world,” said dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
The WHO Hub in Berlin also serves as a collaborative space, hosting numerous workshops and events that bring together global experts to address health security challenges.Germany has strongly supported the Hub, recognizing the need for a central location where science, technology, and partnerships can converge to protect against future health threats.
“The WHO Hub in berlin is a vibrant place for collaboration and co-creation,” said Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the WHO Hub in Berlin. “By leveraging WHO’s convening power, we bring partners together, facilitate data sharing and joint analysis, and support the collective adoption of innovative approaches.”
What’s next
With the persistent threat of future pandemics, the WHO will continue to prioritize the progress of new tools, foster partnerships, and strengthen global public health intelligence and surveillance capabilities.