Training for outbreak response through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

Abstract The WHO designated the Information Centre for International Health Protection (INIG/ZIG 1) at the Robert Koch Institute as the first WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Outbreak Alert and Response (WHO CC GOARN). Its mandate is to aid WHO’s efforts in improving the detection of public health events and enhancing preparedness, readiness, and capabilities for alerts and rapid responses. The main focus of WHO CC GOARN at RKI include supporting WHO in the development and implementation of the GOARN training programme on international outbreak alert and response, as well as facilitating knowledge exchange and information dissemination. GOARN’s extensive engagement in international public health response underscores the need to complement technical expertise with human-centred competencies like effective communication and teamwork, while respecting diversity. On 18 -22 September 2023, WHO CC GOARN at RKI hosted the first “GOARN Outbreak Response Leadership Training Programme”, inviting 24 public health leaders plus highly experienced mentors from all WHO. The training was designed to enhance leadership mind-sets and practices, including advanced interpersonal and situational awareness, managing polarised tension, establishing trusted relationships with stakeholders, and influencing collective decision-making. Alongside expert facilitators and experienced mentors from various fields, participants engaged in open discussion, shared experiences and reflected on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent outbreaks. This course provided an opportunity to engage with diverse, experienced and highly regarded leaders, sharing their views and personal experiences on what it means to practise leadership in health emergency response. This training also aimed to build a network of diverse, well-trained and interconnected public health leaders, upholding the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that our response efforts resonate with the communities we serve.