Statistics
Event Information
Event Title:
Information session on influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory threats
Event Date / Time:
1st Apr, 2026 2:00PM - 3:00PM (Europe/Berlin)
Event Description:

Background

Influenza, COVID 19 and other respiratory pathogens continue to impose a significant global health burden, requiring sustained vigilance and coordinated action. At global level, WHO has the responsibility that Member States, partners, and communities have timely access to clear, accurate, and actionable information. This session supports WHO’s mandate by facilitating the dissemination of evidence based updates, strengthening alignment of public health messages, and reinforcing WHO’s role in guiding preparedness efforts across sectors and regions. Clear and up to date information on the ongoing WHO initiatives and available resources enables countries to design and implement evidence based prevention and control programmes—such as vaccination strategies, antiviral use, and effective communication approaches—and to strengthen preparedness planning for future epidemics or pandemics caused by influenza, SARS CoV 2, or other respiratory pathogens.

Objectives:

• Share latest information on influenza, COVID 19, and other respiratory threats, covering current situation, updated strategies and recommendations, key tools, and related WHO preparedness initiatives.

• support national, regional and global policymakers in strengthening surveillance, preparedness and response capacity for present and future respiratory pandemic emergencies.

Tentative Agenda and Speakers:

Opening Message: Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies programme

Welcome Remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i, Epidemic and pandemic management (EPM), WHO

Moderator: Dr Wenqing Zhang, Head, Global Respiratory Threats Unit, EPM, WHO

Updates (speakers to be confirmed): 

• Global Influenza Programme(GIP) (speaker TBC)

• Global Coronavirus Programme (GCP)

• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Secretariat

Q&A: Moderated by Dr Wenqing Zhang

Closing: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHE, WHO

 

Register here: https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r4D6qZh5QWO7PrrdslpY1g#/registration

Website:
https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r4D6qZh5QWO7PrrdslpY1g#/registration
Unable to load tooltip content.