This was the first time ECDC hosts this training in the European region- representing a key milestone in strengthening outbreak preparedness and workforce development across Europe. As a core GOARN partner, ECDC is now well-positioned to deliver this training in the future, both within the region and potentially to counterparts globally.
ECDC’s Head of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Vicky Lefèvre, underlined the importance of the initiative: “Investing in practical, scenario-based training is essential to building a deployable and resilient public health workforce. Hosting this course allowed us to strengthen collaboration with our GOARN partners, and to better prepare experts across Europe for real-world outbreak response in the future”.
The intensive, week-long course brought together 24 mid-career public health professionals from across the region. Selected for their expertise and potential to contribute to future deployments through the EUHTF and GOARN field missions, participants represented a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, laboratory science, clinical management, infection prevention and control, animal health, and risk communication and community engagement.
Armand Bejtullahu, GOARN Manager, highlighted the global importance of the initiative: “This training exemplifies GOARN’s commitment to building a globally connected and locally grounded outbreak response workforce. Through our partnership with ECDC and the EU Health Task Force, we are investing in the next generation of responders who bring their technical expertise and equip them with response skills essential for real-world emergencies”.
A simulation-driven approach
First launched in 2005, the GOARN Outbreak Response Scenario Training has evolved into a scenario-driven, residential course designed to mirror the real-world complexity and unpredictability of public health emergencies. In Stockholm, participants faced a fast-moving outbreak of unknown origin, testing their ability to prioritize, coordinate, and provide evidence-based recommendations under pressure.
The training emphasized both technical and soft skills – communication, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving—essential for effective deployment. Each day introduced new challenges, from misinformation to logistical hurdles, forcing teams to adapt and respond under shifting conditions.
A stronger workforce for the future
By the end of the course, participants reported greater confidence and readiness to join multidisciplinary outbreak missions. Feedback highlighted the value of the immersive format in building teamwork and leadership capacity.
As global health threats grow more complex, the need for skilled and agile responders is greater than ever. This training in Stockholm represents an important investment in the next generation of outbreak responders- ensuring Europe’s public health workforce is prepared, connected, and ready to act when the next emergency strikes.
