Strengthening Lithuania's Health Emergency Preparedness and One Health: PHEPA Assessment and Laboratory Services  

The workshop in Lithuania is conducted by the Emergency Preparedness Integrated Courses (EPIC11) project developing an EU preparedness training programme for EU Member States and EEA countries. 

The Lithuania National Workshop will focus on Strengthening Lithuania's Health Emergency Preparedness and One Health: PHEPA Assessment and Laboratory Services. Public health, emergency services, laboratory services, the military sector, radiation protection authorities, and the Ministry of Health preparedness units, together with international experts, will explore strategies for enhancing laboratory services under a One Health perspective as a critical component of preparedness and response planning in Lithuania.  

Through a mix of expert presentations, moderated working group sessions and interactive plenary discussions, participants will discuss the process of PHEPA assessment, with special focus on  capacities such as Laboratory services, risk communication and One Health, as well as broader aspects on PPR planning. The workshop aims at fostering a collaborative and integrated approach to preparedness and response planning, while promoting coordinated actions within Lithuania. It will also draw on lessons learned and best practices from other countries to help strengthen national PPR capacities.  

Specifically, the Lithuania National Workshop aims to: 

• Strengthen coordination and collaboration in PPR planning through a multi-stakeholder approach.  

• Raise awareness and build a shared understanding among stakeholders of the PHEPA process, with a particular focus on preparedness for the assessment of laboratory services from a One Health perspective.  

• Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in national PPR efforts to inform the PHEPA assessment and support the development of a targeted action plan.  

This 2-day workshop will be hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania and at the Hotel Artis, Conference Room. It is scheduled to take place on 12 - 13  June 2025 and will run from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Relevant outcomes of the workshop for participants will be:

• • • Increased awareness and shared understanding of the new EU Health Security Framework, its implications for Member States, and the objectives and expected outcomes of the PHEPA assessment.  

    • Strengthened intersectoral collaboration and networking among national stakeholders involved in PPR planning, leading to clearer roles and responsibilities, reduced overlaps, and improved accountability.  

    • A comprehensive assessment of gaps and opportunities in the development and implementation of PPR plans, particularly in relation to laboratory services.  

    • Defined priorities and concrete recommendations to support Lithuania’s PHEPA preparation, culminating in an action plan with a structured roadmap for integrating key priority areas to enhance prevention, preparedness, and response in alignment with EU regulations.  

            Participants:

• • • • This workshop specifically targets representatives from the Ministry of Health, public health institutes, laboratory services, hospitals, animal health and food safety authorities, and environmental agencies in Lithuania. To ensure a coordinated and multisectoral approach to health emergency preparedness and response, professionals involved in planning, implementation, and crisis management across these sectors are included. 

      • Attendance is by invitation only. Participants will receive an invitation to attend from the Ministry of Health of Lithuania. 

The workshop will be organised in Lithuanian with some expert discussions (when international speakers) will be in English. A strong command of English is therefore recommended to follow the international sessions. 

Preparatory materials

No preparatory materials are needed to read/do beforehand.  

EPIC11 will cover all related participation costs, namely travel expenses, hotel, venue and food.