The World Health Organization announced on May 5th that it would establish an epidemiological early warning centre in the German capital, Berlin, to monitor and warn of emerging epidemic threats.
WHO announced Friday that it will establish a new global data center in Germany to monitor emerging epidemic threats, Deutsche Welle reported on May 5. The agency, known as the WHO Information Centre on Epidemics and Infectious Diseases, will become operational in Berlin in September. The Centre will rapidly analyze data to predict, prevent, monitor, prepare for and respond to epidemic risks worldwide.
“The outbreak has exposed gaps in the global epidemiological and pandemic intelligence systems.” “There will be more viruses that could cause epidemics and pandemics in the future, and the spread of the virus is fast, but the spread of data is faster,” said WHO Director-General Tedros. With the right information, countries and communities can take risks and save lives. ”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a video message that Germany will create a unique environment for pandemic and health research in Berlin, which will provide reference for governments around the world. Ms Merkel said the new centre would link government departments, academia and the private sector.
Deutsche Welle reported that Germany plans to provide 30 million euros in start-up funds to the center, but the current budget is still under discussion.
