Our work related to emergency health management

We are establishing an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to improve our response to public health emergencies.

The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) provides clinical and academic leadership in disaster and trauma care. Based in Darwin, it has emergency medical response facilities, provides education and training, and has state-of-the-art research facilities.

The National Incident Centre (NIC) coordinates national responses to health emergencies, significant events and emerging threats, where there is an impact on human health or health systems.

The National Medical Stockpile is a strategic reserve of drugs, vaccines, antidotes and personal protective equipment for use in national health emergencies. We purchase and stockpile these items so Australia is more self-sufficient during an emergency and able to meet high levels of demand.

The deliberate release of harmful biological agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi and toxins) can cause significant damage to human health, the environment and the Australian economy. This scheme helps us manage the security of SSBAs and aims to limit the occurrence of acts of bioterrorism or biocrime.

Australia is working closely with the global community, including the World Health Organization, to reform and strengthen global health systems. These include updates to the International Health Regulations and the development of a new pandemic response agreement.