Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) legal framework guide: a guide for the development of a legal framework to authorize the establishment and operationalization of a PHEOC

This document provides the required guidance to Member States for establishing and/or strengthening legal authorities for a Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) and describes the process of developing or amending country-specific legal frameworks. It will serve as a reference to the Member States of the African Region to adapt their PHEOC legal instruments as necessary, in line with the laws and practices of each sovereign state. The PHEOC legal framework guide also includes information on the stakeholder engagement process and key considerations for potential inclusion in the national sphere of each Member State.

A public health emergency operation center (PHEOC) serves as a hub for better coordinating the preparation, response, and recovery for public health emergencies. A functional PHEOC is critical for the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). The Framework for a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre provides high-level guidance for establishing or strengthening a PHEOC. To establish and/or strengthen a PHEOC, it is vital for Member States to align with standardized policies, guidelines, and tools.