Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)
www.who.int/csr/outbreaknetwork/en/

Purpose
GOARN is a verification and response program; it is a voluntary technical partnership of approximately 140 institutions coordinated by WHO to support countries in disease outbreak investigation and response, primarily through the deployment of multidisciplinary teams. GOARN’s mission is rapid identification and/or confirmation and effective response to disease outbreaks of international public health importance.24,26,52,53

History and operational characteristics
Formalized in 2000, GOARN’s international outbreak response teams are assembled and mobilized to countries where a disease outbreak is occurring. The teams offer support to the national health authorities for effective coordination and outbreak control activities. The multidisciplinary teams offer expertise in social mobilization, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and management, infection control, laboratory evaluation, veterinary public health, influenza virology, operational coordination and logistics, outbreak communications, and field information management. The teams also provide advice on the use of field investigation kits; personal protective equipment (PPE); therapeutics and vaccines; stockpile management, including storage and distribution of laboratory supplies, reagents, and diagnostic kits; and international sample transport protocols and equipment.

International response to a potential disease outbreak begins at the time a WHO regional office requests that an involved country investigate and verify a report of a disease outbreak. If the disease outbreak is confirmed, WHO assists the involved country in conducting a risk assessment on the humanitarian consequences, the potential impact on international travel and trade, and the need for international support. At this point, the country may request the aid of WHO/GOARN.

Regions/countries served
Global

Funding/budget/staff
WHO provides administrative support for GOARN, which is comprised of a small secretariat including a project manager, support for a steering committee, and an operational support team.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative’s WHO-NTI Global Emergency Response Fund provides WHO with a renewable $500,000 grant to enable WHO to immediately mobilize GOARN teams to areas affected by outbreaks while funds to respond to the outbreak are solicited from World Health Assembly member countries.

The annual budget for GOARN’s disease outbreak response activities was not available.