Resources and tools: For policy-makers

WHO is trusted for its production of high-quality recommendations, guidelines and other documents. Together, these materials constitute a unique and invaluable library to assist policy-makers at all levels, from local to intergovernmental.

WHO documents assist in the formulation of evidence-based policy, as well as in the sharing of critical experience learnt elsewhere that can help speed evidence-based decisions, and ultimately save and improve lives.


Key documents

Action plan to improve public health preparedness and response in the WHO European Region 2018–2023

Health emergencies in Europe: Making sure every country is ready


Technical guidance

Strengthening health-system emergency preparedness. Toolkit for assessing health-system capacity for crisis management. Part 1. User manual (2012)

Strengthening health-system emergency preparedness. Toolkit for assessing health-system capacity for crisis management. Part 2. Assessment form (2012)

Hospital emergency response checklist (2011)

The Hospital Safety Index

The WHO e-atlas of disaster risk for the European Region. Volume 1. Exposure to natural hazards. Version 2.0

International Health Regulations (2005), third edition

IHR self-assessment annual reporting tool (SPAR) 2018

Joint External Evaluation tool (JEE tool) - second edition. IHR (2005) Monitoring and Evaluation framework

Emergency risk communication (ERC) 5-step capacity-building package


Policy documents

Important statements of or about WHO policy in the European Region


Public health panorama

This publication of the WHO Regional Office for Europe provides a platform for scientists and public health practitioners to publish lessons learnt from the field, as well as original research work, to facilitate the use of evidence and good practice for public health action.

Public Health Panorama website

Protecting health and saving lives in outbreaks and emergencies: Public Health Panorama Journal, Volume 4, Issue 1, March 2018