[A summarized unofficial version of the press release]

KDCA Designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

- This designation recognizes KDCA’s accomplishments in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its accumulated expertise in pandemic preparedness and response.

- It has also strengthened Korea’s global standing by providing technical support to WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region and beyond.

Osong, 27th November 2024 – The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) hosted a ceremony on October 30, 2024, to commemorate its designation as the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

A WHO Collaborating Center is a specialized institution designated by WHO to implement global health programs in specific technical fields.

This designation highlights the KDCA’s expertise in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its significant contribution to the development of international cooperation frameworks for emergency response. It also marks the KDCA’s second designation as a WHO Collaborating Center, following its previous designation in March 2021 as the WHO Collaborating Center for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and One Health Research.

The three key terms of reference (TORs) are as follows:

1. Supporting the establishment of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) and enhancement of their operational capacities in WHO Member States in the Western Pacific region.

2. Providing technical assistance to strengthen the capabilities of National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the region.

3. Facilitating the development of specialized human resources for health security in the region.

In close collaboration with the WHO, KDCA will share its expertise and experience with countries in the region. KDCA will also develop guidelines for pandemic responses and serve as an advisor, supporting various initiatives, workshops, conferences, and training programs.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Il-Soo Ha, President of the Korea Foundation for International Health; Mr. Hyun-ku Hwang, Special Political Affairs Advisor to the Governor of Chungcheongbuk-do; Dr. Oliver Morgan, Director of WHO Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Systems; and Dr. Gina Samaan, Regional Emergency Director of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. They delivered congratulatory messages, emphasizing KDCA's leadership and critical role in pandemic response.

“The KDCA is committed to expanding its role within the global community to support WHO and neighboring countries. The KDCA aims to continue its efforts to strengthen countries in the Western Pacific region for the next pandemic,” said Dr. Youngmee Jee, Commissioner of the KDCA.

She added, “By cooperating with the Global Health Security Coordination Office (GHSCO) and engaging in ongoing KDCA ODA projects, the KDCA will strive to build a safer and healthier global community as a WHO Collaborating Center for Pandemic Preparedness and Response”

* For detailed information, please refer to the press release written in the Korean language in the file attached below.