All countries face risks and potential health threats from an increasing range of hazards, including infectious diseases, chemical and radio nuclear incidents, food contamination, and threats associated with climate change including extreme weather events and deforestation. 

WHO’s work in emergency preparedness focuses on supporting countries to build core public health and health system capacities that reduce the health risks and consequences of all types of emergencies. WHO supports Member States to evaluate, develop and strengthen core capacities laid out in the International Health Regulations, to detect, assess, notify and report events and to respond promptly and effectively to public health emergencies.