♦ The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed on December 27 to highlight urgent need to invest in systems that can prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Epidemic means the occurrence in a community or region of cases of illness, specific health-related behaviour, or other health-related events is more than normal expectancy.

♦ In its 75th session and 36th plenary meeting on December 7, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution which declared December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. The decision is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.