The South African National Department of Health (NDOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), initiated the establishment of a network of Public Health Emergency Operating Centers (PHEOCs) at national and provincial levels on 2-3 November 2023. WHO South Africa and Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) provided crucial support during a two-day workshop, led by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Department of Health, to establish the KwaZulu-Natal PHEOC Steering Committee. Attended by 30 participants from Provincial and District Departments of Health Service, and Academia such as University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT), the workshop aimed to strengthen early warning systems, enhance response coordination, and improve real-time communication across the national health system.

The workshop included updates from the National Department of Health, a review of the Terms of Reference for the KZN PHEOC Steering Committee, nomination of committee leaders, and a comprehensive examination of the KZN action plan for PHEOC establishment. Aligned with WHO South Africa's technical guidance, the workshop saw the Provincial Department of Health spearheading the proceedings, with opening remarks delivered by Dr. T. Moji and Dr. Patrick Moonasar from WHO.

Critical outcomes of the meeting included the election of a Chair, Subcommittee Chairs, and working groups for the Steering Committee, along with the establishment of four sub-committees focusing on policy, costing, and funding; infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) & data information systems & standards; human resource & capacity development (training and exercise); and Monitoring and Evaluation plans and procedures.

Moving forward, the workshop report and terms of references will be finalized for endorsement by the KZN Head of Department for Health. Subcommittees will convene to revise micro-plans and prioritize immediate actions, while identifying a suitable location for the PHEOC in consultation with provincial infrastructure. Capacity development, facilitated by WHO through open courses and physical training, will enhance the skills of core PHEOC staff.