Commonground
Senior Moderator
1 April 2026 14:00 – 15:15 CET
Virtual meeting
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
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 tbc)
Closing: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHE, WHO
Register Presentations: (to follow)
Video recordings: (to follow)
https://www.who.int/news-room/event...luenza-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-threats
Virtual meeting
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.
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 tbc)
- Global Influenza Programme(GIP) (speaker TBC)
- Global Coronavirus Programme (GCP)
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Secretariat
Closing: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHE, WHO
Register Presentations: (to follow)
Video recordings: (to follow)
https://www.who.int/news-room/event...luenza-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-threats