2.1.1 All-hazards emergency preparedness capacities in countries assessed and reported

The recent development and use of new tools to assess national capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005) have improved the quality of data and analyses of capacities and promoted mutual accountability for improving health security in collaboration with WHO. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a more accurate understanding of the factors that contribute to health security, particularly at the subnational level. 

To deliver this output, the WHO Secretariat will be required to strengthen its capacity to work with countries to develop and apply quantitative and qualitative assessment tools for measuring all-hazards national preparedness and disaster risk management capacities, analysing and reporting these findings widely and in a timely manner, monitoring trends, evaluating outcomes and forecasting needs and health emergency risks. Wherever possible, the Secretariat will encourage the collection of these data in a standardized format that facilitates the integration of information on health systems and the social determinants of health. The resultant dynamic reports and profiles of national and subnational capacities should be used to inform policies, plans, business cases, strategies and decision-making for preparedness for all hazards. 

Work towards this output involves close collaboration on strengthening capacity for emergency preparedness (output 2.1.2); and supporting countries so that they are operationally ready to assess and manage identified risks and vulnerabilities (output 2.1.3).