International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States
About
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed on December 27 to highlight the importance of preparing for, preventing, and responding to epidemics. The day recognizes the vital role of strong health systems, timely information, scientific cooperation, and coordinated action in protecting communities from infectious diseases.
It also honors the lessons learned from past outbreaks and encourages governments, health professionals, organizations, and individuals to support readiness before a crisis occurs. December 27 offers an opportunity to appreciate those working on the front lines while promoting global solidarity, public awareness, and practical steps that can help make societies safer and more resilient.
History
The **International Day of Epidemic Preparedness** is observed annually on **December 27**. The United Nations General Assembly established the observance through Resolution 75/27, adopted on December 7, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its creation reflected growing recognition that infectious-disease emergencies can cross borders rapidly and require coordinated international action rather than isolated national responses.
The observance’s timing is associated with the birthday of Louis Pasteur, the 19th-century French scientist whose work in microbiology, vaccination, and the prevention of infectious disease helped shape modern public health. Although epidemic preparedness has much deeper roots in medical history, the United Nations initiative gave the subject a dedicated international observance and placed it within the broader global effort to strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.
Over time, December 27 has become an occasion for governments, health agencies, medical institutions, and civil-society organizations to emphasize surveillance, laboratory capacity, vaccine development, public communication, and rapid response systems. It also highlights the importance of supporting health workers and ensuring that preparedness resources reach vulnerable communities. The day complements the work of organizations such as the World Health Organization, while encouraging countries to learn from epidemics and pandemics, including the disruption caused by COVID-19.
Culturally, the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness represents the idea that protecting public health is a shared responsibility. Its message extends beyond medical research to include public trust, international solidarity, accurate information, and equitable access to prevention and treatment. By observing the day on December 27, communities are encouraged to remember the human and social costs of epidemics and to support practical measures that can reduce suffering when future outbreaks occur.