In accordance with the World Health Assembly Resolution 58.1, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened an Expert Consultation in Geneva, Switzerland from 15–17 February 2006 to discuss and provide recommendations for enhancing emergency preparedness and capacity building at the community, country, regional, and global levels. The consultation included experts and representatives of non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations. Recommendations included a set of operational objectives and strategies for achieving them. It was recognized that emergency preparedness is part of development and that crises occur at the community level. The recommendations, therefore, were focused at the community and country levels and outlined processes by which WHO could assist countries in augmenting their abilities to cope with health emergencies. This document provides a detailed discussion of the issues addressed, the conclusions reached, and recommendations based on the conclusions.
