A three-day ministerial consultation and high-level technical meeting took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 12-14 February 2019. The purpose of the meeting was to galvanize the commitment of Member States to fully implement the new Action Plan to Improve Public Health Preparedness and Response in the WHO European Region, which was welcomed with appreciation at the 68^th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

The meeting enabled Member States to come together and discuss common challenges, shared vulnerabilities, existing synergies and collaborations, while reinforcing the fundamental importance of working together to enhance health emergency preparedness and IHR implementation. It set the path for a shared vision of coordinated emergency preparedness, mutual accountability and the need for sustained technical dialogue supported by opportunities to share experiences and best practices. 

Furthermore, there was agreement with the investment case that for every 1 USD invested in health emergency preparedness there would be a return of over 8 USD and 1.5 million human lives saved in 5 years. Taking this into account, Member States of the European Region discussed emerging threats and the dangers of complacency in preparing for health emergencies. Each year the Regional Office detects and assesses about 20,000 alerts, ranging from outbreaks of infectious diseases such as measles to conflicts, environmental risks and natural disasters.

It was precisely for this reason, that the meeting was attended by more than 150 participants from across the European Region, partner organizations and all levels of WHO. Together a renewed commitment was made toward full implementation of the Regional Action Plan that utilizes International Health Regulations (2005) as the legal framework for collaboration and coordination between countries. 

Together with donors and implementing partners, WHO remains ready to support these commitments and to facilitate the use of new and innovative approaches to achieve them.

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