The 7-1-7 target supports timely detection, notification, and response to outbreaks. Writing in the Lancet Global Health, experts from Resolve to Save Lives assessed 41 public health events in Brazil, Ethiopia, Liberia, Nigeria, and Uganda between 2018 and 2022 to understand the frequency at which targets for detection (7 days), notification (1 day) and respones (7 days) are being met following implementation of the target. Results showed that 54% met the 7-day detection target, 71% met the 1-day notification target, and 49% completed early response actions within 7 days. Most bottlenecks and enablers were identified at the health facility level, highlighting the need for increased investments in primary health care to enhance outbreak detection and response capabilities.