United Nations International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, 27 December

With Resolution A/RES/75/27 of 7 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 27 December as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.

As proven by the Covid-19 pandemic, major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating impacts on human lives, with long-term social and economic consequences. Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains, and cause disproportionate devastation of people’s livelihoods, including women and children, and the economies of the poorest and the most vulnerable countries. In the absence of international attention, future epidemics could surpass previous outbreaks in terms of intensity and gravity.

Thus, the observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness aims to raise awareness, exchange information, scientific knowledge and best practices, promote quality education, and advocate programmes on epidemics at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

International cooperation and multilateralism play a pivotal role in response to epidemics. The main actors involved are the United Nations – particularly theWorld Health Organization – national governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders, especially women, who make up the majority of the world’s health workers.