The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is a technical collaboration of existing institutions and networks who pool human and technical resources for the rapid identification, confirmation and response to outbreaks of international importance. The Network provides an operational framework to link this expertise and skill to keep the international community constantly alert to the threat of outbreaks and ready to respond.

The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network contributes towards global health security by:

combating the international spread of outbreaks

ensuring that appropriate technical assistance reaches affected states rapidly

contributing to long-term epidemic preparedness and capacity building.