Prevention of Health Threats

Head of Unit Anna Katz

The unit

• Leads and implements the prevention of health threats.
• Develops and guides the national vaccination programme.
• Strengthens preparedness to respond to health threats.
• Monitors the infectious disease situation and develops monitoring registers.
• Conducts register-based research, effectiveness research and modelling.

The unit is divided into three teams.

Prevention

Teamchef Mia Kontio

The team leads and develops the national vaccination programme, develops the vaccination register, monitors antimicrobial resistance (AMR), conducts outbreak investigations, monitors and prevents healthcare-associated infections and sexually transmitted infections, and implements the hepatitis C elimination programme.

Preparedness

Teamchef Liina Voutilainen

The team maintains situational awareness of infectious diseases and health and social care preparedness, monitors national and international infectious disease situations, participates in outbreak investigations and the control of cross-border health threats. In addition, the team produces guidance for health and social care professionals, is responsible for preparedness and contingency planning for infectious diseases, and participates in international projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Teamchef Simopekka Vänskä

The team maintains and develops register-based infectious disease surveillance systems, conducts register-based assessment related to disease burden and its control, modelling and epidemiological research, and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies related to health interventions.