WHO Pandemic Intelligence Hub Expands AI Tools and Global Partnerships to Detect Future Outbreaks Faster

Germany's Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken has unveiled the 2025 Annual Report of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, highlighting major advances in artificial intelligence, data science, and pathogen genomics aimed at strengthening global readiness for future health crises.

The Berlin-based Hub is emerging as a central pillar in the global effort to detect outbreaks earlier and respond more effectively, as countries confront increasingly complex and interconnected health threats.

Germany Reaffirms Commitment to Global Health Security

During her visit, Minister Warken underscored Germany's continued support for the Hub, describing early detection as critical to preventing future pandemics.

"Detecting outbreaks early is one of the most effective ways to save lives and prevent epidemics from becoming global crises," she said. "Germany is proud to host and support the WHO Hub… its work protects people worldwide."

Germany has played a key role in establishing the Hub as a global innovation centre for epidemic intelligence, leveraging partnerships with leading institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute and the Charité Center for Global Health.

AI-Driven Surveillance Expands to 120 Countries

A major highlight of 2025 is the expansion of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system, which now uses enhanced artificial intelligence to scan global online data in real time.

• The upgraded system is now used by 120 countries

• It enables faster detection of unusual health events and emerging outbreaks

• AI-driven analysis significantly reduces detection time compared to traditional methods

Experts say such tools are critical in a world where outbreaks can spread globally within days.

Building a New Model: Collaborative Surveillance

The WHO Hub is also advancing Collaborative Surveillance, a next-generation approach that integrates diverse data sources beyond traditional health systems.

This includes:

• Climate and environmental data

• Animal health (zoonotic risks)

• Travel and mobility patterns

• Population movement trends

By combining these datasets, countries can gain a real-time, multi-dimensional view of emerging threats, improving both prediction and response.

Expanding Global Access to Pathogen Genomics

Another key achievement is the expansion of pathogen genomics capabilities, enabling faster identification and tracking of viruses and bacteria.

Through the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN):

• The Hub worked with 309 partners

• Across 101 countries

• To strengthen genomic surveillance capacity

This technology helps scientists understand how pathogens evolve, spread, and potentially become more dangerous.

Advanced Modelling and Pandemic Simulation

The Hub is also scaling up the use of advanced analytics and mathematical modelling to forecast outbreak scenarios and guide policy decisions.

• The Collaboratory network now includes 1,300 experts

• Spanning 50 countries and 200 institutions

• Connecting researchers directly with governments

A key innovation in development is an AI-powered pandemic simulator, designed to:

• Model outbreak trajectories

• Compare response strategies

• Help policymakers identify the most effective interventions

A Growing Global Network

In 2025, the WHO Hub collaborated with:

• 160+ Member States

• 190+ partner organizations

This expanding network reflects a shift toward collective global intelligence, where countries share data and tools to respond faster to emerging threats.

"We are in a new era of global health threats, and we need new tools," said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu of WHO. "No country can address these risks alone—cooperation is our best defence."

Positioning for Future Pandemics

The WHO Hub's work comes amid growing recognition that early detection, data integration, and global coordination are essential to preventing future pandemics from escalating.

Dr Oliver Morgan, Head of the Hub, emphasized Berlin's role as a global innovation ecosystem:

"This strong partnership helps us advance innovation in pandemic intelligence and better support countries to prepare for future health threats."

A New Era of Epidemic Intelligence

With AI, genomics, and real-time data systems at its core, the WHO Hub is helping reshape how the world anticipates and responds to health emergencies.

As global health risks become more complex—from climate-linked diseases to emerging pathogens—the Hub's model signals a shift toward proactive, technology-driven preparedness.