Report on the subregional workshop Strengthening primary health care preparedness for emergencies in the European Region: 26 –28 November 2024, Tallinn, Estonia

On 26–28 November 2024, the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Country Health Emergency Preparedness and International Health Regulations (2005) programme, the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care and the WHO Country Office in Estonia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia, convened a subregional workshop in Tallinn, Estonia, titled “Strengthening PHC preparedness for emergencies in the European Region.” Participants from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Spain and Italy examined the critical role of primary health care (PHC) systems in disaster preparedness and response. The workshop underscored the urgent need to embed PHC within national health emergency frameworks, enhance multisectoral collaboration and address workforce gaps through measures such as task shifting. Key risks discussed included epidemics, pandemics, armed conflict and climate-related hazards, with particular attention to high-risk groups such as women, children, older people, migrants and persons with disabilities. Strengthening supply chains, improving coordination with public health and emergency services, and building leadership capacity were highlighted as priorities. Through shared experiences and practical recommendations, participants committed to advancing robust preparedness plans, training, and community engagement, aligning with WHO’s vision of universal health coverage and global health security to ensure resilient PHC systems for future crises.