Effective disease control depends on integrated public health systems that support prevention, detection and response, built on strong surveillance, reliable labratory diagnosis, well-prepared workforce, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Many countries across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) continue to face challenges in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases further increase pressure on national health systems.

EMPHNET works with ministries of health, national laboratories, academic institutions, and regional and international partners to strengthen integrated disease control systems. This work spans across improved surveillance, laboratory capacity building, and workforce development, alongside operational research, digital innovation, and One Health implementation. These efforts are reinforced through regional collaboration, supporting countries in improving preparedness, enhancing disease detection and response, and advancing evidence-informed public health action.

• Strengthening integrated disease control systems: Supporting countries in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats through coordinated and resilient disease control systems.
• Enhancing laboratory capacity and health security: Strengthening laboratory systems, biosafety and biosecurity practices, and emergency preparedness to improve national and regional health security.
• Building workforce capacity: Strengthening the capacities of epidemiologists, laboratory professionals, surveillance officers, and frontline health workers through training, mentorship, and technical support.
• Promoting multisectoral collaboration: Advancing One Health approaches and regional partnerships to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other emerging public health threats.
• Supporting evidence-informed decision-making: Conducting operational research, assessments, and data analysis to strengthen public health policies, programs, and disease control strategies.
• Advancing innovation and digital solutions: Applying digital technologies and innovative approaches to strengthen disease control, laboratory systems, reporting, and public health decision-making. 

Advancing Disease Surveillance and Response

We enhance national and regional disease surveillance systems through event-based, indicator-based, community-based, lab-based, and syndromic surveillance approaches. Our work supports countries in improving early detection, outbreak investigation, surveillance quality, and emergency response. We also strengthen regional surveillance initiatives, including the Meningitis and Septicemia Mapping Network (MenMap), and support multisectoral and cross-border surveillance networks that improve preparedness and coordinated responses to public health threats.

Strengthening Laboratory Capacity, Biosafety, and Biosecurity

We improve laboratory systems by enhancing diagnostic capacity, laboratory quality, biosafety, and biosecurity. Our work includes developing standard operating procedures, strengthening laboratory practices, supporting biological risk management, and improving the safe handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials. Through the Safeguarding Biosafety and Biosecurity Network, we work with public and private laboratories in Libya, Tunisia, and Morocco to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity measures, build awareness of biological risks and mitigation approaches, and reduce the risks associated with dangerous infectious agents and other dual-use biological materials.

Advancing Health Security and Emergency Preparedness

We work with countries to strengthen health security through improved preparedness, multisectoral coordination, and implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR). Our contributions include supporting emergency preparedness for mass gatherings, by training Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), developing national emergency plans, and enhancing countries' capacities to prepare for, detect, and respond to biological and other public health threats.

Promoting One Health and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

We advance the One Health approach by fostering collaboration across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors to improve the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. Our work includes strengthening laboratory-based surveillance, enhancing multisectoral collaboration, and supporting regional efforts to address antimicrobial resistance and other emerging public health threats.

Building Workforce Capacity and Technical Leadership

We invest in developing a skilled public health workforce through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), laboratory training, biosafety and biosecurity education, Rapid Response Team training, and other specialized technical initiatives. We also develop technical guidance, policy documents, and operational tools that strengthen national capacities and support evidence-informed public health decision-making