WHO works with Vancouver to transfer mass gathering knowledge to upcoming events
13 February 2010 - The 2010 Winter Olympic Games taking place in Vancouver from 12-28 February, have provided WHO with the opportunity to transfer valuable knowledge and experiences to other organizers of major mass gathering events, in ensuring that international events of this scale are safe from public health risks.
With generous assistance from Canada's health authorities and the Olympic Committee, WHO, led by the regional office for the Americas or Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), aims at establishing a process for an ongoing transfer of specialised knowledge in dealing with disease surveillance and control among different international mass gatherings organizers.
The organizing committees of three upcoming major mass gathering events - two from Brazil (preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics) and one from the UK (preparing for the 2012 London Olympics) - are observing the management of potential public health risks ranging from food poisoning to potential disease outbreaks.
These 2010 Winter Olympics Games also provide an opportunity for improvements to existing WHO procedures for assessing the health risks associated with major gatherings and putting in place preparatory plans to prevent and control disease and other health hazards.