Portugal’s health security legacy: a Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) case study

Overview

Portugal was the first country in European Region and fourth Globally to pilot the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), conducting its high-level national review in May 2022. The process was led by the Minister of health and brought together government institutions, technical experts, development partners and civil society representatives to review national health security capacities, strengthen multisectoral collaboration and identify opportunities for further improving preparedness and resilience.

This country case study documents Portugal's experience across the national review and Global Peer Review phases, highlighting how the UHPR helped sustain political attention to health security, foster cooperation across government sectors and strengthen engagement with regional and international partners. It also describes how the process contributed to national preparedness planning and supported collaboration among public health, civil protection and other sectors, including during the response to emerging threats such as mpox and avian influenza.

The case study explores challenges associated with changes in government, competing public health priorities and limited human resources. It highlights the importance of institutional continuity, coordinated national planning, cross-sectoral partnerships and regional cooperation, offering practical lessons for Member States seeking to strengthen health security through the UHPR.