Resilient health systems are vital for preparing for and responding to emergencies, and for maintaining essential health services during a crisis.

Parliaments can foster multisectoral action across government, engage in international partnerships, and play a critical role in advancing not only global health security, but also universal health coverage and achieving health under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Conference will strengthen parliamentarians’ awareness of the opportunities presented by their unique functions to play a role in advancing health emergency preparedness at the national and regional level. It is being convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the IPU.