The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is a technical collaboration of existing institutions and networks who pool human and technical resources for the rapid identification, confirmation and response to outbreaks of international importance. The Network provides an operational framework to link this expertise and skill to keep the international community constantly alert to the threat of outbreaks and ready to respond. Since April 2000, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network has been bringing agreed standards to international epidemic response through the development of Guiding Principles for International Outbreak Alert and Response and operational protocols to standardize epidemiological, laboratory, clinical management, research, communications, logistics support, security, evacuation and communications systems. The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network contributes towards global health security by: (1) combating the international spread of outbreaks (2) ensuring that appropriate technical assistance reaches affected states rapidly (3) contributing to long-term epidemic preparedness and capacity building. (UN WHO, Epidemic Pandemic and Response, 2007)