Global Public Health Intelligence Network
The Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN) is an electronic public health early warning system developed by Canada's Public Health Agency, and is part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Response Network (GOARN). This system monitors internet media, such as news wires and websites, in nine languages in order to help detect and report potential disease or other health threats around the world.[1]
Management
GPHIN is managed by the Public Health Agency of Canada's Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR).
2019–2020 Silence
A July 2020 investigation by The Globe and Mail revealed that GPHIN was effectively shutdown in May 2019 by Canada's Federal Government. This ultimately prevented the system from providing an early warning regarding COVID-19. Public Health Agency of Canada employees were assigned to different tasks in the department after the government directed for a more domestic focus.[2] Following the report, Canada's Auditor-General began an investigation into why the program was curtailed.[3] In August 2020, more than 400 days after going silent, the system began issuing alerts again.[4]
References
- "Global Public Health Intelligence Network, Public Health Agency of Canada, November 2004". Archived from the original on 2007-03-14. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- Robertson, Grant (July 25, 2020). "'Without early warning you can't have early response': How Canada's world-class pandemic alert system failed". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- Robertson, Grant (July 30, 2020). "Auditor-General to probe lapse in Canada's pandemic warning system". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- Robertson, Grant (August 13, 2020). "Canada's international pandemic alert back in action, more than 400 days after falling silent". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2020.