The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed on December 27, every year in a bid to raise public awareness on epidemics on all levels and prepare for future outbreaks.

Highlights

• United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared December 27 as International Day for Epidemic Preparedness in the light that, major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating effects on human lives.
• It also hinders the long-term social and economic growth.
• Global health crisis, such as ongoing covid-19 pandemic, also threatens to swamp the overburdened health systems and cause disproportionate devastation to world economies by disrupting global supply chains.
• Thus, the day is observed to raise awareness about the epidemics.

History of the Day

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was first commemorated on December 27, 2020.