Mortality is a general measure of health in a population. Understanding its evolution is fundamental for effective public health planning and action. Monitoring excess mortality routinely is pivotal in events such as seasonal flu and pandemics, as it provides a robust way to monitor progression and the impact on public health when other systems might  fail.

Excess mortality serves as an indicator of disease burden in outbreaks caused by previously-unknown pathogens, which can be difficult to assess, as well as evaluating the impact of any undertaken public health measures. 

A global system is needed to gain insights into cross-border events, detecting emerging epidemics and mapping the likely effects of potential pandemics in their initial stages, in order to prepare adequate health responses on a global scale.

How does this program help?
Monitoring excess mortality is critical in guiding public health policy and interventions, and therefore fundamental in the management of public health responses to emergencies. When the effects of an event are long-lasting and difficult to detect in the short term, the cumulative effects can be significant, making excess mortality a good overall measure of the impact on a population’s health.

By monitoring excess mortality closely, it is possible to further prepare and mitigate against new and/or evolving threats to public health, especially for cross-border threats.

How to access?
WOMO data is publicly accessible through the WOMO Dashboard.