GESICA: Strengthening Cross-Border Health Crises Readiness

In an era marked by mounting pressure on healthcare systems and a growing number of exceptional public health emergencies, cross-border scientific collaboration has never been more critical. The GESICA project—GEstion des SItuations de Crises sAnitaires—is designed to address this challenge by enhancing the ability to detect, anticipate, and manage health crises across the France–Switzerland region.

Led jointly by the Université Marie et Louis Pasteur and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), and supported through the Interreg France–Switzerland 2021–2027 programme, GESICA aims to build an intelligent, AI-powered platform capable of recognizing early warning signals of emerging threats, optimizing emergency responses, and reinforcing public health coordination across borders.

A New Approach to Crisis Management

By integrating diverse data sources—including hospital, societal, and meteorological inputs—GESICA will:

• Detect early warning signs of public health threats,

• Support decision-making with scenario-based planning tools,

• Optimize medical and logistical resources, and

• Strengthen coordination between French and Swiss healthcare systems.

Project Scope and Support

Spanning 30 months (2025–2027), GESICA unites a strong consortium of academic, clinical, and technical partners:

French partners:

• Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (lead)

• CHU Besançon

• Hôpital Nord Franche-Comté

• SHARE&Move

• CPAM du Doubs

Swiss partners:

• Geneva University Hospitals (lead)

• HEIG-VD (School of Engineering and Management, Vaud)

• TECHWAN

• CHUV (Vaud University Hospital)

• University of Neuchâtel

The project is backed by a total budget of €2.47 million / CHF 2.42 million, supported by EU and Swiss federal and cantonal funding, with additional participation from health agencies including ARS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, CHU Dijon, and Urgences Santé Genève (144).

Building on Past Collaboration

GESICA builds on the legacy of SIA-REMU (2021–2022) and responds to evolving risks—be they infectious disease outbreaks, terrorist threats, or climate-related crises such as heatwaves. The project’s AI platform will not only provide real-time crisis insights but also allow retrospective analysis to assess and improve upon previous health authority responses.

A Strategic Vision for Public Health

By fostering cross-border knowledge sharing and mutualizing resources, GESICA aims to increase the efficiency of care, reduce healthcare costs, and position the Franco–Swiss region as a centre of excellence in public health preparedness.

Ultimately, this intelligent system will empower local, regional, and transnational actors to respond faster and more effectively to future crises—turning data into action when it matters most.

➡️ Source: HUG |  📸 BioAlps