Epidemics know no borders and are often characterized by a high level of uncertainty, causing major challenges in risk governance. The author shows the emergence of global risk governance processes and the key role that the World Health Organization (WHO) plays within them.Introduction 1. Thinking the International Response to a Global Health Risk 2. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Analysis of a Successful Containment 3. Avian Influenza H5n1: International Preparedness against a Future Influenza Pandemic 4. Cases Comparison, Outlook On H1n1 Influenza Pandemic and ConclusionsNathalie Brender is Professor of Risk Management and Corporate Finance at the Haute ?cole de gestion de Gen?ve, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland. She also holds a PhD in international relations and is currently researching risk governance in health with a focus on cost-effectiveness analysis. Her past professional experience includes managing business risk consulting and auditing, as well as financial reporting in the private sector.