Emerging disease surveillance and response

The Emerging Disease Surveillance and Response (ESR) supports the Philippines in complying with the requirements of the 2005 International Health Regulations. It works with the Department of Health (DOH), its major partner, to ensure public health security through preparedness planning, prevention, early detection and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases, including epidemic-prone diseases.

WHO also assists other stakeholders and partners on technical matters related to ESR.

Experience in recent years shows that public health emergencies, particularly events caused by outbreaks of emerging diseases, occur in the Asia Pacific region. These health emergencies pose a serious threat to health security of the countries in the region. The Philippines was not spared as shown by SARS and pademic influenza in the past. Outbreaks and emergencies also bring serious negative health, economic, trade and social impact on the country.