The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC)

Course information

Please note this course is in the process of being translated into all UN languages as well as select national languages. Translated versions are currently available in the following language(s):

македонски - Français - Русский - 中文 - Português - Español -ພາສາລາວ - Українська

Overview: In 2012, WHO established the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Network (EOC-NET). WHO developed the Framework for a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), in collaboration with EOC-NET partners. The Framework provides high-level methodical guidance for designing, developing and strengthening of PHEOCs. This online course provides an outline of the PHEOC Framework and relevant references.

Learning objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• describe the content of the PHEOC Framework;
• explain the key concepts of PHEOCs and emergency management;
• define the objectives and function of PHEOCs;
• describe major planning and implementation considerations, the core components and essential requirements of a PHEOC; and
• apply the PHEOC Framework and relevant tools for designing, developing and strengthening PHEOCs.

Course duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Certificate: A Record of Achievement certificate will be available to participants who score at least 80% of the total points available across both of the learning check quizzes and complete the activities section. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.

Disclaimer: This course includes photographic depiction of Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) scenarios prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Organizing a PHEOC facility during the current pandemic context will require additional occupational health precautions not discussed in this course. Please adhere to your local national guidelines on COVID-19 precautions, including physical distancing of at least 1 metre as well as appropriate usage of masks when indicated. More information on these and other relevant workplace precautions can be found in the OpenWHO course: COVID-19 and work: Staying healthy and safe at work during the COVID-19 pandemic

Course contents

• Introduction: Overview of the course and the PHEOC Framework:

  This introductory module lists the course objectives; describes the course contents; and describes the PHEOC Framework, as well as other key documents.

• Module 1: Key concepts and principles:

  Module 1 consists of three units: The PHEOC; Principles of emergency management; and The Incident Management System (IMS).

• Module 2: Implementing the PHEOC:

  Module 2 consists of seven units: Planning guidance; Physical structure and Information and Communication Technology (ICT); PHEOC plans and procedures; Information systems; Human resources and trainings; Exercises; and Monitoring, evaluation and financing.

• Activities: Learning check tasks:

  This final module offers three activities that will help you practice applying the information from the Framework and using the Annexes.