WHO WATCH: The New MERS-CoV Dashboard — Public Health Decision Making

Description:

‘For the first time since the first detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, a global comprehensive dashboard has been developed by WHO to centralize and display key variables and summary statistics of MERS human cases reported by Member States through the International Health Regulations (IHR). The WHO MERS-CoV Dashboard represents a major milestone in the global effort to manage this high-impact zoonotic disease, by enhancing transparency, coordination, and accessibility of information. The newly launched Dashboard features case data, epidemiological trends, summary statistics, and relevant resources in one dynamic, user-friendly platform. It allows for real-time updates and provides visualizations that enhance understanding of the disease’s geographic distribution, temporal patterns, and public health outcomes.

‘By providing Member States, frontline responders, researchers, and decision-makers with timely, reliable information, WHO’s MERS-CoV Dashboard is supporting early warning, targeted interventions, and improved risk communication. In doing so, it allows for a coordinated and data-driven response to MERS-CoV and other emerging zoonotic threats, fostering evidence-informed public health action.’

Objectives ·  To formally launch the WHO MERS-CoV Dashboard, ·  To provide an overview of its functionalities, and ·  To orient stakeholders on how to use and access the available tools and data for public health decision making.

Speakers: Maria Van Kerkhove — Director a.i., Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management Department (EPM), WHO Sophie Von Dobschütz — Global Respiratory Threats (GRT), EPM, WHO Abdullah Al-Sayafi — Global Respiratory Threats (GRT), EPM, WHO Philippe Jean-Pierre Boucher — Data Exchange (DEX), WHO Apoorv Pal — Data Exchange (DEX), WHO