International Day of Epidemic Preparedness

What Is the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness?

December 27 is the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Prompted by the global spread of COVID-19 from 2019, it was adopted by the plenary of the United Nations General Assembly on December 7, 2020, as a day to recognize the need to prepare for epidemics.

The Date Honors Pasteur's Birthday

December 27 was chosen because it is the birthday of Louis Pasteur, the French microbiologist known for vaccine development and pasteurization -- a figure who symbolizes the history of the fight against infectious disease.

• Established: by a UN General Assembly plenary resolution on December 7, 2020
• First observance: December 27, 2020
• Origin of the date: the birthday of microbiologist Louis Pasteur
• Purpose: to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for epidemics

"Preparedness Is the Greatest Investment"

For the first observance, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message saying that preparedness is the greatest investment and costs far less than emergency response. Strengthening health systems and disease surveillance were named as key tasks.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check the stock of medicine, masks and disinfectant at home and at work
• Skim your workplace's infection-response manual
• Note which medical facilities are open over the New Year holidays
• Read up on what Louis Pasteur actually achieved

Year's End Is a Good Time to Check Your Readiness

The New Year period brings more travel while many clinics close. December 27 is a well-timed reminder -- not to make elaborate preparations, but simply to look over what you already have on hand.