This directorate leads public health emergency preparedness and response by developing
and reviewing policies, guidelines, and frameworks to ensure effective emergency response.
It is responsible for the establishment of Public Health Emergency Operation Centres
(PHEOCs) and emergency referral systems to enhance coordination and timely intervention.
Additionally, it maintains a strategic emergency health commodity supply system which is
crucial for ensuring the availability of essential medical resources during crises.
Key responsibilities also include leading risk communication and community engagement to
keep the public informed and involved as well as monitoring outbreak data, building
response capacities, and coordinating field support to help mitigate the impact of
emergencies. It provides support to counties during public health crises, ensuring the
continuity of essential health services, and overseeing post-emergency recovery efforts
further contribute to strengthening overall resilience in the health system.
This Directorate is divided into four divisions: Public Health Preparedness, Emergency
Response, Disaster and Risk Management, and National Strategic Stockpiles and Product
Safety .
