By Bunmi Yekini
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, is marking 25 years at the forefront of the global response to health emergencies.
Since its establishment in April 2000, GOARN has deployed thousands of expert responders to more than 175 public health emergencies across 114 countries, from major disease outbreaks like Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19, to disasters caused by floods, earthquakes, and conflict.
“GOARN is a vital part of the global health architecture,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Through the network, countries get the expert support they need to respond to health emergencies and to enhance their own capacities for preparedness and response. This means faster, more effective responses and more lives saved.”
The network was formed after a 2000 meeting in Geneva highlighted the need for better coordination during outbreaks when the lack of unified response efforts limited the effectiveness of global health interventions.
Dr Mike Ryan, WHO’s Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme, reflected on GOARN’s early days: “As one of the first responders deployed during the Ebola outbreak in Uganda 25 years ago, I witnessed firsthand the evolution of our response efforts and GOARN’s role. GOARN is an example of how multilateralism works to save lives.”
From an initial core group, GOARN has grown into a coalition of more than 310 institutions worldwide, including national public health agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and academic organizations. Together, they provide rapid technical expertise in areas such as disease surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement.
“Looking back over the past 25 years, it’s remarkable to see how GOARN has evolved from a visionary concept to an indispensable network in the global health emergency landscape,” said Ray R. Arthur, former Chair of the GOARN Steering Committee.
Today’s GOARN focuses not only on emergency deployments but also on strengthening national health systems, ensuring that countries are better prepared to manage crises themselves.
“As the world faces the growing threats of epidemics, conflict, and humanitarian crises, GOARN’s role has never been more vital,” said Dr Mohannad Al-Nsour, current Chair of the GOARN Steering Committee. “The network must continue to evolve, expanding its reach and strengthening collaboration to meet these urgent needs.”
Partner organizations echoed this sentiment. Daniela Garone and Dr Edmund Newman, Co-Deputy Chairs of the Steering Committee, said, “Reflecting on GOARN’s 25 years, we are proud to be active partners of a network that has been instrumental in saving lives and strengthening health response systems around the world.”
Veteran contributors like Myriam Henkens of Médecins Sans Frontières and Professor John S. Mackenzie, a founding Steering Committee member, also praised the network’s collaborative spirit and enduring impact.
Gail Carson, former Chair of the Steering Committee, summed up the legacy: “Over the past 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how this global community of experts supports countries in times of crisis, delivering trusted, timely, and lifesaving technical assistance.”
Looking ahead, GOARN is calling on Member States, partners, and the global community to work together to build a resilient and equitable global health emergency architecture capable of facing the challenges of the future.