Framework for health emergency preparedness and response capabilities for national publichealth agencies

Overview

The Framework for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Capabilities for National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs) provides comprehensive guidance to help countries strengthen the institutions that lead and coordinate public health emergency functions. Developed through an extensive global consultation with over 120 countries and partner organizations, the framework responds to Member States’ request for clearer articulation of the essential roles NPHAs can play in preventing, preparing for, and responding to health emergencies.

Building on lessons from COVID‑19 and other crises, as well as global instruments such as the amended International Health Regulations (2005, 2024) and the WHO Pandemic Agreement (2025), the framework defines 12 core capabilities grouped into foundational and technical domains.  Foundational capabilities include legal authority, evidence generation and use for policy, and secure and flexible financing. Technical capabilities cover coordination, emergency management, workforce development, surveillance and intelligence, laboratory and diagnostic systems, risk communication and community engagement, public health and social measures, clinical care guidance, and countermeasure research and deployment.

The framework recognizes that countries vary widely in how they structure EPR governance and in the mandates and autonomy of their NPHAs. It is designed to be adaptable across diverse institutional models—whether NPHAs lead, co‑lead, or support national emergency functions. Each capability is broken down into sub‑capabilities and illustrative actions that countries can use to assess current arrangements, identify gaps, and prioritize investments.

By outlining the capabilities NPHAs can lead or support, the framework provides a practical tool for strengthening national preparedness and ensuring alignment with global obligations. Its aim is to help every country build coherent, evidence‑based, equitable and resilient emergency systems.