The General Assembly of the UN with a resolution adopted on November 13^th, 2020 declared 27^th December as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.

It is the COVID-19 pandemic which triggered the adoption of this initiative. In fact the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was called for by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate the importance of the prevention and of preparedness for epidemics. Undoubtedly the COVID-19 caught the entire world unprepared. This is why the General Assembly of the United Nations also invited all Member States, organizations of the UN system and other global, regional organizations, and the private sector, academic institutions, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness through awareness-raising activities and other educational activities, this in order to highlight how important is the prevention and to be prepared against epidemics.

COVID-19 pandemic has put in evidence the devastating impacts not only on human lives, but also on health systems, and on economies, thus the need for a more coordinated response.