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Berlin, October 12, 2026 – The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, part of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s central institution in disease surveillance and prevention, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, have extended their bilateral Memorandums of Understanding until 2031. This renewal signifies a continuation of five years of successful joint work.
Partnership Extended at World Health Summit Opening
The extension was announced at the opening of the World Health Summit by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, RKI President Prof. Dr. Lars Schaade, and Charité CEO Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer. The collaboration, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Health since 2021, aims to strengthen countries’ capabilities in early detection and response to emerging health threats.
Why Early Detection is Crucial
In a world where disease outbreaks can spread across borders within days, early detection is critical to protecting lives, economies, and health systems in Germany and globally. The partnership assists countries in identifying outbreaks sooner and developing highly trained professionals. It also supports the effective use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, genomic sequencing, and data analytics to better prepare for and respond to health threats.
Synergies for Global Health
These partnerships combine the global reach and normative role of the WHO, the technical expertise and international partnerships of the RKI, and Charité’s strengths in clinical research, public health, and interdisciplinary science. With the WHO Hub in Berlin, Germany has further solidified its role as an international center for pandemic and epidemic intelligence, connecting German institutions with experts and decision-makers worldwide. This benefits Germany and other countries globally.
Joint Achievements and Innovative Approaches
Together, the RKI and the WHO Hub have contributed to strengthening national health systems and supporting countries in detecting and responding more effectively to health threats. Building on national experiences and supported by international research, the partners have developed innovative tools, guidelines, and networks in public health intelligence, genomic sequencing, biosafety, and the use of data for policy decision-making.
Public Health Intelligence Research Program
The WHO-Charité Public Health Intelligence Research Program brings together experienced scientists, Charité, and the WHO Hub to address specific public health challenges. By combining interdisciplinary academic research with public health practice, the program has helped translate scientific findings into concrete and applicable approaches for pandemic and epidemic preparedness.
The partnerships, rooted in Berlin and globally connected, demonstrate how international organizations, health authorities, and research institutions can collectively support countries in detecting and responding to health threats earlier and more effectively.
Source: https://www.rki.de/DE/Institut/Internationales/ZIG-News/News/2026-10-12_WHO-Hub-Koperation.html
