The role of National Public Health Institutes in health emergencies: Findings from a global study
1
National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
2
International Association of National Public Health Institutes, Berlin, Germany
3
United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
4
Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
5
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3189
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) are science based governmental organizations serving as the national hub for public health expertise, coordination, and leadership. Operating across sectors, NPHIs play a critical role in health emergencies. This study examined their roles, functions, and capacities in all hazard emergencies to support operationalisation of the WHO Global Health Emergency Corps initiative according to country and regional contexts.
METHODS:
An online survey of IANPHI-member NPHIs and regional public health agencies was conducted to understand roles of NPHIs for rapid response and surge mechanisms during health emergencies, complemented by interviews with selected NPHI leaders on connected leaders. NPHIs from all WHO regions and World Bank income groups were included.
RESULTS:
The survey achieved a 47% response rate (60/127). NPHIs varied widely in size, mandates, and functions across regions and income levels. Five key themes emerged: 1. Legal and political mandates: Most NPHIs had a legal mandate for emergency response (84%), primarily focused on infectious disease and biological hazards. 2. Connected leadership: The Ministry of Health was the main partner, and 53% of NPHIs reported formal agreements with other country NPHIs. 3. Mechanisms and processes: NPHIs emphasized the need for clearer roles and purpose for NPHIs in emergencies. 4. Workforce and resources: Key challenges included funding (78%), training (74%) and workforce planning (70%). Many NPHIs lacked a national surge reserve. Workforces deployed reflected NPHI function and surge challenges included logistics (60%), rapid recruitment (54%) and funding (50%). 5. Systems and structures: Emergency response was seen as multi-sector and multi-agency, with NPHIs acting as a “nucleus of change,” though only 6% led healthcare or health service planning.
CONCLUSIONS:
Legal mandates shape NPHIs’ emergency functions, yet significant challenges limit response and support capacities. Study results suggest that strategies for strengthening NPHIs should consider country and regional contexts.
National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) are science based governmental organizations serving as the national hub for public health expertise, coordination, and leadership. Operating across sectors, NPHIs play a critical role in health emergencies. This study examined their roles, functions, and capacities in all hazard emergencies to support operationalisation of the WHO Global Health Emergency Corps initiative according to country and regional contexts.
METHODS:
An online survey of IANPHI-member NPHIs and regional public health agencies was conducted to understand roles of NPHIs for rapid response and surge mechanisms during health emergencies, complemented by interviews with selected NPHI leaders on connected leaders. NPHIs from all WHO regions and World Bank income groups were included.
RESULTS:
The survey achieved a 47% response rate (60/127). NPHIs varied widely in size, mandates, and functions across regions and income levels. Five key themes emerged: 1. Legal and political mandates: Most NPHIs had a legal mandate for emergency response (84%), primarily focused on infectious disease and biological hazards. 2. Connected leadership: The Ministry of Health was the main partner, and 53% of NPHIs reported formal agreements with other country NPHIs. 3. Mechanisms and processes: NPHIs emphasized the need for clearer roles and purpose for NPHIs in emergencies. 4. Workforce and resources: Key challenges included funding (78%), training (74%) and workforce planning (70%). Many NPHIs lacked a national surge reserve. Workforces deployed reflected NPHI function and surge challenges included logistics (60%), rapid recruitment (54%) and funding (50%). 5. Systems and structures: Emergency response was seen as multi-sector and multi-agency, with NPHIs acting as a “nucleus of change,” though only 6% led healthcare or health service planning.
CONCLUSIONS:
Legal mandates shape NPHIs’ emergency functions, yet significant challenges limit response and support capacities. Study results suggest that strategies for strengthening NPHIs should consider country and regional contexts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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