Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases
Emerging and re-emerging epidemic diseases pose an on-going threat to global health security.
The WHO's Twelfth General Programme of Work sets the reduction of "mortality, morbidity and societal disruption resulting from epidemics... through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities" as one its five strategic imperatives.

The Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases (PED) develops strategies, initiatives, and mechanisms to address priority emerging and re-emerging epidemic diseases, thereby reducing their impact on affected populations and limiting their international spread.