Preparedness session: Are we “PRET” for the next pandemic?

Hannah Lewis is an epidemiologist with over 15 years experience in international health emergency preparedness and response, including at the three levels of WHO. She is currently a consultant epidemiologist working on respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness at WHO HQ.  She supported the COVID-19 response through the implementation of the “Unity (sero-epidemiological) Studies” (2020-2022), particularly in the WHO African Region. Other international positions included implementing surveillance and response projects in Southeast Europe and Central Asia as an epidemiologist at the Robert Koch Institute, Germany (2013-2019) and epidemiologist at the WHO Lao PDR Country Office (2008-2012). Prior to this, Hannah worked at the national level with a focus on foodborne and zoonotic diseases: Statens Serum Institut, Denmark (2006- 2008) during EPIET, UK Health Protection Agency (now UKHSA) (2004-2006), and at the Department of Health, England (1999-2003).  Hannah holds a Master of Public Health from Kings College, University of London (2005) and is an EPIET Alumna (2008).

Dr Samaan is a field epidemiologist with a career focus on pandemic risk management. At the World Health Organization (WHO), she leads “PRET” which is a global initiative to strengthen preparedness and resilience for future pandemic through a disease mode of transmission lens. She also leads the global coordination on the Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Pathogens with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samaan established a response unit focusing on country support, technical monitoring and liaison with the United Nations (UN) system. In recent years, Samaan managed the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution (PC) for strengthening country capacities. In 2014-2021, the collective investments made by countries, partners and WHO including PIP PC have resulted in 68% of the world’s 194 countries strengthening their participation in global influenza surveillance systems. Samaan previously worked and consulted for agencies including US-CDC, USAID, DFAT Australia, IOM, RTI International and the Australian Department of Health to design or implement disease control initiatives. 

Dr Bergeri is an infectious-diseases epidemiologist, with a primary focus in international health. She has been working mainly in and with developing countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Pacific Territories. She worked at the 3 levels of the WHO (HQ, Regional Office, and Country Office). She also worked for Médecins Sans Frontières, UNHCR, in French Public Hospitals, French Army Health Services, the Burnet Medical Institute in Australia, and in the pharmaceutical company Merck. Isabel holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy, a Master in Epidemiology, a PG Degree in Laboratory Medicine, PG Diplomas in Tropical Medicine, Medical Statistics, Clinical trials, and is a certified Project Management Professional PMP/PMI.