Background
The Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG) was first established in 2019. Reflecting the needs of the organization, the terms of reference of HSI-TAG were updated (March 2022) and new members were appointed later in 2022 by an open call and in full compliance with the procedure set by the organization.
The HSI-TAG provides independent advice to the WHO related to strategic priorities and plans of action on specific topics relating to the health-security interface (HSI). HSI-TAG members have expertise in a range of areas including, but not limited to, the following:
- Public health intelligence;
- Chemical and biological, preparedness & readiness;
- Civil military relations;
- Risk communications;
- Misinformation/disinformation;
- Biosafety and biosecurity;
- National and international policy, regulation and guidance.
The composition of the HSI-TAG fully respects geographic and gender diversity. The members serve in their personal capacities to represent the broad range of disciplines relevant to the health-security interface.
The HSI-TAG was convened for its inaugural meeting in-person in Geneva on 13-14 October 2022.
Objectives of the Meeting:
The objectives of this first face to face meeting were as follows:
- Describe mission, vision, and strategic goals of the TAG,
- Appoint a Chair of the TAG,
- Describe in detail the work of the Biosecurity and Health-Security Interface (BSP) Unit, describing individual projects, their mandate within GPW13, their short- and long-term objectives, and their current status,
- Develop a provisional TAG work plan with specific, measurable, achievable deliverables within the two year initial term of the TAG,
- Foster a sense of TAG unity and purpose.