Updated EWAR guidance have been finalized and published on the WHO website.
Populations affected by emergencies are continually at risk of outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases and other public health hazards. This operational guidance aims to guide decisionmaking on when and how to implement and strengthen Early Warning Alert and Response (EWAR) in preparation for and response to emergencies. Each module aims to provide updated operational guidance for EWAR practices that may be more easily understood and applied during emergencies. Through its application, this operational guidance aims to contribute to:
- earlier detection of acute public health events
- earlier and more effective response
- reduced impact of emergencies on health
- increased trust of the population in the (public) health system
- fulfilling our collective commitments to the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).