Thursday, 4 June 2026, 13:00–14:00 (CEST)
Background
The complex multi-country response to the hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel is an unprecedented test of the global border health system.
This public health event has triggered an internationally coordinated multisectoral response involving multiple countries across the globe, the WHO Secretariat, conveyance operators, and partners in the public health, travel, transport, or foreign affairs, to name a few. It has also prompted an unprecedented use of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), particularly its provisions related to points of entry, affected conveyances, and travellers (Part V), health documents (Part VI), as well as the related annexes. For this reason, the outbreak has been described as a ‘quintessential border health event’.
As of 21 May 2026, a total of 13 cases, including three deaths, have been reported. Public health response efforts continue in all countries involved, including information sharing for international contact tracing purposes through the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) network. WHO has assessed the risk posed by this event to the global population as low and continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment as needed.
This EPI‑WIN webinar will provide an opportunity to hear from key border health stakeholders on their involvement in and initial reflections about this particular multi-country response, as well as their routine collaborative work for the management of public health events across borders, at points of entry, and onboard conveyances.
Objectives
- To share experiences from national public health authorities and key border health stakeholders on their involvement in and initial reflections about the response to this multi-country public health event linked to cruise ship travel.
- To share experiences from national public health authorities and key border health stakeholders on the collaborative work for the management of public health events across borders, at points of entry, and onboard conveyances.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Welcome remarks: Stella Chungong, Director, Department of Health Emergency Preparedness (HSP), WHO
Country’s initial reflections on the disembarkation process in Rotterdam from a BH/PoE perspective:
Thijs Veenstra, Senior policy adviser, Expert group Points of Entry, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
Routine management of public health events on board conveyances: Barbara Mouchtouri, Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Greece – WHO Collaborating Centre for IHR: Points of Entry
Facilitation role and WHO collaboration regarding public health management in maritime sector:
Julian Abril Garcia, Head, Facilitation Section, Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Facilitation role and WHO collaboration re public health management aviation sector: Johanna Jordaan,
Chief, Aviation Medicine Section, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Role of airline medical professionals: Rui Pombal, Medical Advisor, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Other speakers to be confirmed
Interactive Q&A with speakers: Sara Barragan Montes, Technical officer (Border health & Points of Entry), Border, Mass Gatherings & Health Protection Measures, HSP, WHO
Conclusion: Ninglan Wang, Unit Head, Border, Mass Gatherings & Health Protection Measures, HSP, WHO
Closing and next EPI-WIN: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO