Review period: 26 November – 10 December 2025
Deadline for comments: 10 December 2025, 23:59 CET
The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting public comment on the draft document, “Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats – Module 2: Planning for Arbovirus Epidemics and Pandemics”. This second module in the PRET initiative (following Module 1 on respiratory pathogens) focuses on strengthening preparedness and response for diseases caused by arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). It builds on lessons learned from previous arbovirus outbreaks and epidemics and leverages the PRET mode of transmission approach.
WHO invites Member States, partners, and stakeholders globally to review and provide feedback on this draft Module 2 document. The consultation is open from 10 –30 November 2025. Feedback gathered during this period will be used to refine and finalize the document before official publication.
Objectives of the document
PRET Module 2 has three primary objectives that support countries in strengthening their preparedness for known arboviruses as well as unknown future pathogens (“Arbovirus X”).
- Guide countries in developing or updating integrated plans for arbovirus epidemic and pandemic preparedness to enable equitable and effective responses.
- Recommend actions to enhance preparedness and response for arbovirus epidemics and pandemics, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) core capacities.
- Offer an organizing framework, actionable steps, and an outline to guide the development and implementation of arbovirus preparedness and response plans.
Scope of the document
The module addresses preparedness and response planning for arboviral diseases transmitted by a range of arthropod vectors, including mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. While Aedes-borne arboviruses like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow feverare widely recognized for their epidemic potential and global impact, the module acknowledges the threats of other mosquito-borne viruses (e.g. West Nile virus), tick-borne viruses (e.g. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis) and sandfly-borne viruses. The planning principles and recommended actions are intended to apply across all arbovirus threats, including novel or not-yet-characterized viruses (“Arbovirus X”) that could emerge.
Intended audience
This module is intended for a broad range of stakeholders across health and other sectors involved in arbovirus epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response at local, national, regional, and global levels. It serves as a practical guide for governments, WHO regional and country offices, and partners including multilateral agencies, donors, and implementing organizations.
Who should review this document
For this public consultation, WHO welcomes feedback from all interested parties, including but not limited to:
- Member States’ officials and public health authorities involved in epidemic/pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, vector control, or health system strengthening
- Technical experts in arbovirus prevention, surveillance and epidemiology, laboratory systems, clinical management, risk communication, One Health, and related fields
- Partners and stakeholders such as international and intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic and research institutions, civil society groups, and private sector entities working on arbovirus preparedness and response
- Researchers and practitioners with expertise in arboviral diseases, including those focusing on One Health
- Community representatives and civil society members, particularly those engaged in community engagement during health emergencies
How to submit comments
The draft Module 2 document is available for review here.
Comments can be submitted online via a survey form during the consultation period (26 November –10 December 2025). To participate, please visit the online survey link provided here and fill in your responses by 10 December 2025, 23:59 CET.
Next steps
All feedback received by the deadline will be compiled and reviewed by WHO, and will inform further revisions of the document.
Thank you in advance for your time and contributions. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that actions in this guidance are clear, relevant, and efficient for strengthening preparedness for arbovirus epidemics and pandemics.