The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched version 2.0 of its Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system, a global platform for early detection of public health threats. Since its creation in 2017, EIOS has expanded to over 110 Member States and nearly 30 partner organizations worldwide. The upgraded system incorporates new data sources and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the detection and analysis of potential health emergencies. Hosted at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, EIOS enables public health teams to monitor large volumes of publicly available information in near real time, improving response to emerging threats.
Version 2.0 represents a significant technological advancement. The system has been rebuilt to accommodate more users and data sources, with AI-powered automated analysis and signal detection improving speed and accuracy. It now processes additional sources, such as radio broadcasts, which are automatically transcribed and translated, and offers a multilingual, user-friendly interface with a dashboard view for easier tracking and reporting. Enhanced collaboration tools allow countries and organizations to jointly monitor events and share relevant information more efficiently.
WHO provides EIOS as a free public good to Member States and eligible organizations, complementing formal health information channels like laboratories and hospitals. By scanning websites, social media, and other public sources, EIOS helps authorities identify critical health events for verification and assessment. The system supports early action against outbreaks linked to conflict, climate change, and new or re-emerging pathogens, as highlighted by recent crises such as COVID‑19, mpox, and avian influenza.
The launch of EIOS 2.0 at the WHO Hub in Berlin was supported by partners including the German Government, the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre, and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). Officials emphasized the importance of reliable data, transparent decision-making, and global collaboration in strengthening preparedness and building public trust during health emergencies. To assist Member States with the rollout, WHO has provided updated guides, multilingual webinars, help clinics, and an online training course developed with the WHO Academy.
