The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) [1], set up by the World Health Organization (WHO) [2], is an essential international mechanism for coordinating the response to epidemics and global health threats. This global network of experts, organisations and partners is designed to enable a rapid, effective and coordinated response to epidemics and health crises. GOARN was a key element in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its role in surveillance, alert and response has become even more crucial in an increasingly interconnected world.
GOARN objectives
The main objective of GOARN is to provide a rapid response to large-scale epidemics, whether infectious or otherwise[1] [3] . To achieve this, it has a number of strategic objectives:
- Detecting epidemics quickly: Through international surveillance[2] [4] , GOARN helps to identify health threats as soon as they emerge, by exploiting epidemiological data and reports from participating countries.
- Respond effectively to health threats: When epidemics or public health crises occur, GOARN mobilises experts, resources and logistical support to help countries manage the situation.
- Coordinating international efforts: The network ensures collaboration between governments, international organisations, NGOs and private players, by setting up communication and coordination mechanisms.
- Strengthening local capacities: GOARN supports the strengthening of local health infrastructures and human capacities, in particular by training teams of experts.
Structure and operation of GOARN
GOARN is a decentralised network of hundreds of organisations and experts around the world. Its operation is based on close collaboration between various players, including :
- The WHO: The WHO plays a central role in the management and coordination of GOARN, ensuring that interventions are effective.
- Humanitarian partners: Many NGOs and humanitarian organisations, such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Red Cross, are part of the network to provide emergency relief.
- Academic and research institutions: They contribute their expertise in epidemiology, virology and public health.
- Governments and local authorities: The countries participating in GOARN are key players in implementing responses to epidemics.
The network is supported by sophisticated communication systems, which enable rapid exchange of information and data in real time. This enables health authorities to act immediately upon detection of a new threat, while ensuring transparency and coordination of actions. GOARN also ensures coordination between partners through a Steering Committee (21 institutions) and an Operational Support Team based in Geneva[3] [3].
The French organisations contributing to the GOARN mechanism include :
- the Pasteur network (via the coordination of the Institut Pasteur and its regional entities),
- the University of Aix-Marseille,
- Santé Public France,
- the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM),
- Fondation Mérieux.
Response to epidemics and health crises
GOARN has played a decisive role in several major epidemics. It was a central player in the management of the Ebola crisis in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, providing logistical support, deploying field teams and coordinating surveillance efforts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, GOARN facilitated the international response by providing technical assistance and supporting the implementation of prevention measures in the most vulnerable countries. It enabled more rapid distribution of protective equipment, diagnostic tests and vaccines, by coordinating supply and distribution on a global scale.
Capacity building and future prevention
The GOARN also acts upstream of health crises, in particular through its important role in preparedness and prevention. One of its main missions is to strengthen local capacities for monitoring epidemics and managing health emergencies. To do this, it organises training, exercises and crisis simulations in developing countries, so that they can better anticipate and manage future epidemics.
GOARN develops training and skills enhancement programmes, combining technical know-how and ‘soft skills’ to prepare teams to intervene effectively in a multicultural context. For example, the GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme[4] [3] has been designed to train the next generation of international experts. GOARN is also involved in the development of global policies for the management of epidemics and the prevention of health crises, thus contributing to the improvement of health infrastructures and risk management on a global scale.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite its successes, GOARN faces a number of challenges. The world is facing increasingly complex and rapid health threats, particularly with the emergence of new pathogens, genetic mutations in viruses, and the impact of climate change on public health. These challenges require us to constantly adapt our response mechanisms.
To meet these challenges, GOARN plans to :
- Strengthening rapid response capacity by improving the speed of deployment of teams and resources.
- Improving the integration of digital technologies to better monitor and respond to health crises, in particular by using artificial intelligence to analyse epidemic trends.
- Strengthening cross-sector collaboration with partners outside the health sector, such as environmental authorities, to better anticipate risks linked to environmental and social factors.
GOARN funding
GOARN has no standard overall annual budget: its funding is based on the pooled resources of its members, ad hoc contributions in times of crisis, and an emergency fund of around USD 500,000. Specific initiatives, such as the training programme coordinated by the Robert Koch Institute, benefit from dedicated budgets (e.g. €0.81 million for the GOARN II project for the period 2023-2025).
What are the consequences of WHO budget cuts?
Even though the United States, historically the WHO’s largest contributor, has frozen its statutory contribution for 2024-2025, GOARN’s surveillance and response activities are not directly affected. However, some of its logistical and administrative support and its voluntary allocations could be cut, and the GOARN’s room for manoeuvre could therefore be restricted. The GOARN’s long-term survival will depend on the success of the WHO’s financial reform (increase in the proportion of fixed contributions) and on the willingness to maintain targeted funds for crises.
Conclusion
The WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is an essential pillar in the management of global health emergencies. Its ability to rapidly mobilise human and technical resources, coordinate international efforts and build local capacity is essential for dealing with global health threats. By evolving with the challenges of the 21st century, GOARN continues to be a key player in protecting global health.
[1] [5] https://www.who.int/news/item/28-04-2025-goarn-marks-25-years-of-advancing-global-health-emergency-preparedness-and-response
[2] [5] https://www.emro.who.int/pandemic-epidemic-diseases/goarn/index.html
[3] [5] https://goarn.who.int/about
[4] [5] https://pandemichub.who.int/news-room/news/item/04-03-2025-empowering-the-next-generation-of-global-health-experts-the-goarn-berlin-fellowship-program