National Public Health Centre (NNK)

: Last Updated: 16 June 2022

The National Public Health Centre (in Hungarian: Nemzeti Népegészségügyi Központ, NNK) is one of the main healthcare authorities of Hungary. The head of the NNK is the chief medical officer of Hungary.

NNK’s role is to coordinate public health, epidemiology, health promotion and development, health care management and coordination, and employee health nationwide. NNK also has a central role in the epidemiologic management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NNK’s purpose and scope of activities

NNK monitors and evaluates public health status and epidemiologic situation in Hungary, with regards to the changes of the population’s health conditions in relation to the social and environmental factors affecting health. NNK conducts research, performs epidemiological studies and impact assessment as well as risk calculation.

NNK is responsible for the regional organization of primary care, health promotion and health development-related tasks (including organized screening programs) and ensures the citizen’s equal access to these services. NNK is also in charge of the annual procurement of vaccines and participates in the organization and realization of other national public health-related programs. Furthermore, NNK operates the Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders and the National Registry of Congenital Disorders.

How can NNK help you?

In the COVID-19 pandemic-caused emergency NNK provides daily COVID-19 broadcasts in collaboration with the chief medical officer of Hungary. NNK is responsible for informing the public about epidemics such as flu and monitors water and air quality nationwide. Hence, NNK also provides information on the national air-pollution and pollen situation.

NNK organizes and coordinates regional screening programs. The NNK also takes part in anonymous HIV/AIDS counseling and screening, if necessary.