NETEC Convenes Global Leaders to Strengthen High-Level Isolation Care, Surge Capacity, and Infectious Disease Preparedness
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NETEC Convenes Global Leaders to Strengthen High-Level Isolation Care, Surge Capacity, and Infectious Disease Preparedness
The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) convened global leaders in special pathogen preparedness and response for its NETEC International Workshop 2026, held May 6–7 in Atlanta, Georgia. The two-day workshop brought together experts from over 20 countries and from across the United States, to advance high-level isolation unit (HLIU) capabilities and strengthen global collaboration in preparing for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). In a highly connected global environment, the workshop highlights the need for coordinated preparedness, shared expertise, and scalable response systems.
Centered on the theme “Advancing HLIU Excellence and Surge Capacity Through Global Partnerships,” the workshop featured plenary sessions, expert panels, and interactive breakout discussions focused on HCID clinical care, operational readiness, and effective strategies for managing HCID events.
“This international gathering reflects the strength of global collaboration in addressing high-consequence infectious diseases,” said Aneesh K. Mehta, MD, FIDSA, FAST, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at Emory University. “By bringing together experts from around the world, we are accelerating the exchange of knowledge and advancing the capabilities needed to respond effectively to emerging threats.”
Participants explored critical topics including clinical management of emerging pathogens such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, lessons learned from recent viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, and strategies for expanding specialized healthcare system capacity during surge events. Sessions on planning for mass gatherings explored lessons learned from global and international sporting events, and highlighted considerations for coordinated public health and clinical readiness. These discussions are particularly relevant as North America prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, underscoring the importance of scalable preparedness for large, complex international gatherings.
“The challenges posed by special pathogens require coordinated, scalable solutions,” said John Lowe, PhD, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “This workshop highlights how shared expertise and international partnerships are essential to strengthening preparedness, improving response, and advancing health system resilience worldwide.”
“High-level isolation is not just about infrastructure—it’s about systems, training, and coordination,” said Vikramjit Mukherjee, MD, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “The insights and relationships developed here will directly inform how we support healthcare facilities in delivering safe, high-quality care during HCID events.”
“The International Workshop demonstrates the critical role of sustained global engagement in advancing preparedness,” said Jocelyn Herstein, PhD, MPH, NETEC Director of International Partnerships and Programs. “By fostering collaboration across countries and health systems, we are building a more connected and capable global network prepared to respond to future infectious disease threats.”
A key focus of the workshop was strengthening international partnerships to support knowledge-sharing and collaboration in preparedness and response efforts. Sessions highlighted opportunities for collaboration across research, training, and operational planning and areas of commonality that could help inform HLIU approaches globally. The workshop also underscored the importance of learning from international partners with extensive experience managing high-consequence infectious diseases, helping to inform and strengthen US clinical and operational readiness.
The workshop also included site visits to high-level isolation units in Atlanta, offering participants an opportunity to exchange perspectives and observe different operational models to biocontainment care.
Through convenings such as the International Workshop, NETEC continues to support the exchange of expertise, promote evidence-based practices, and strengthen collaboration across domestic and international partners—advancing readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases worldwide.
MEDIA CONTACT: Veronica Lavarro, Communications Director
Email: communications@netec.org
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About NETEC
The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) is the nation’s leader in special pathogen preparedness and response. Established in 2015 following the treatment of Ebola patients in the U.S., and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), NETEC is led by a consortium of Emory University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, in partnership with the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center network. As the Congressionally designated Coordinating Body for the National Special Pathogens System—a nationwide, tiered system of care—NETEC strengthens national health security through training, consultative services and assessments, research, and the development of evidence-based best practices.