Building a Global Shield: WHO Hub Drives Innovation in Pandemic Preparedness

In an era defined by interconnectedness and rapid global movement, the spread of infectious diseases can no longer be viewed through a narrow national lens. As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, health threats that emerge in one part of the world can spiral into global crises within days. Recognizing this urgency, the World Health Organization (WHO) is revolutionizing public health surveillance through its WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, located in Berlin, Germany.

Launched just over three years ago, the WHO Hub has become a central node in a global network that now supports over 150 countries in detecting and responding to health threats faster and more effectively. With innovative tools, collaborative strategies, and inclusive partnerships, the Hub is redefining the global approach to pandemic preparedness.

A Smarter Way to Detect and Respond to Outbreaks

One of the Hub’s most impactful innovations is the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system. Powered by artificial intelligence, EIOS scans vast amounts of online information—such as news articles, social media, and official bulletins—in real time to identify potential disease outbreaks. This AI-driven early warning system has been instrumental in picking up public health signals that traditional surveillance systems might miss or detect too late.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the critical role of this innovation:

“The Hub is ensuring that the most robust tools and analytics are available to enhance early threat detection and rapid response and support decision-makers around the world. I urge all WHO Member States to work closely with the Hub to build both national and global preparedness.”

Collaborative Surveillance: A New Global Standard

One of the cornerstones of the Hub’s strategy is Collaborative Surveillance, a new approach championed by WHO that encourages countries to share data, expertise, and analysis across borders. By moving away from isolated national systems toward a more connected surveillance model, outbreaks can be detected earlier and contained more efficiently.

This collective intelligence strategy is already producing dividends. By creating common data platforms and analytical tools, the WHO Hub facilitates faster joint responses to health emergencies, especially in regions where resources are limited.

Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the Hub, summed up the approach:

“The WHO Hub in Berlin is a vibrant place for collaboration and co-creation. By leveraging WHO’s convening power, we bring partners together, facilitate data sharing and joint analysis, and support the collective adoption of innovative approaches.”

Genomic Surveillance: Tracking Viruses at the Molecular Level

The rise of pathogen genomics has transformed how scientists track and predict disease outbreaks. By decoding the genetic material of viruses and bacteria, public health authorities can quickly identify new variants, understand transmission patterns, and tailor public health responses.

To ensure equity in this critical field, the Hub launched the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), which now connects more than 235 institutions and countries. The IPSN is backed by a US$ 4 million fund to support low- and middle-income countries, helping to level the playing field in global health surveillance.

This initiative also supports the broader integration of genomic data into health policy-making, enabling countries to act quickly when facing novel pathogens or changing disease dynamics.

Pandemic Simulators and Future-Facing Tools

Looking ahead, the WHO Hub is developing a state-of-the-art pandemic simulator, a digital platform designed to help decision-makers understand the spread of infectious diseases and simulate the impact of various countermeasures. This tool will provide real-time visualizations of disease transmission and model different scenarios, empowering governments to make evidence-based decisions during health crises.

Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the significance of this innovation:

“The Hub builds on proven surveillance approaches while continuously developing and integrating new, innovative methods for detecting and responding to health threats.”

A Global Campus for Innovation in Berlin

More than just a data and analytics center, the WHO Hub in Berlin has become a living campus for global health innovation. Each year, it hosts over 60 workshops and events, welcoming thousands of experts, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate on advancing global health security.

Dr Oliver Morgan, Director of the Hub, credited Germany’s early support in realizing this vision:

“Germany recognized the urgent need for a space where science, technology and partnerships can come together to protect the world from future health threats. This vision is now a reality.”

Toward a Healthier, Safer Future

With the threat of future pandemics ever-present, the WHO continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in global health surveillance. Through its Berlin Hub, the organization is not only preparing the world for the next big outbreak but also reimagining how health threats are identified, shared, and tackled.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Deputy Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, reinforced the organization’s mission:

“Our commitment to fostering trust, building partnerships and driving innovation has never been stronger. Together, we are building a safer, healthier world for all.”

As nations face mounting challenges—from climate-driven disease outbreaks to antimicrobial resistance—the WHO Hub stands as a symbol of hope, innovation, and collective resilience. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge tools, and a commitment to inclusivity, it is helping to build the first line of defense against the pandemics of tomorrow.