- WHO, CDC launch joint unit to improve disaster preparedness.
- JEAP has a mandate for disaster response across Africa.
- JEAP prioritises readiness, and collective efforts to fight public health emergencies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have launched a partnership to tackle challenges arising from humanitarian crises associated with disasters.
Dubbed Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP), the unit is a five-year strategic collaboration to boost the continent’s overall emergency preparedness and response.
JEAP has the mandate to operate across Africa to ensure among other things, disease outbreaks during humanitarian crises are managed efficiently.
Power of partnerships in global health
“The JEAP underscores the shared vision of Africa’s two leading public health institutions – to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response and health systems on the continent,” reads a press communique shared at the turn of the week.
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“The collaboration between the Africa CDC and WHO exemplifies the power of partnership in global health,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
“JEAP will bolster our collective efforts to fight public health emergencies, saving lives and protecting our communities. We are proud to stand with Africa CDC and work towards a healthier and safer future for all Africans,” he explained.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said; “Africa CDC is proud to partner for this important continental strategic plan. Joining forces with WHO will significantly improve our ability to safeguard the health of African populations during times of crisis.”
“Together, we will build resilient health systems and ensure a coordinated and effective response to emergencies,” he said.
The plan builds upon existing frameworks and initiatives while capitalising on Africa CDC and WHO’s unique capabilities and resources.
Strengthen emergency preparedness
JEAP is aligned with the Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order and WHO AFRO’s
Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030). It is also in sync with WHO EMRO’s four-year strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean region to that is meant to address health emergencies.
JEAP strengthens emergency preparedness and response across six critical areas. The priority areas of action are as follows, first is the strengthening of surveillance intelligence and genomic sequencing for quicker detection.
It also deals with stockpiling of emergency supplies at newly established sub-regional hubs to improve emergency response operations. About 70 percent of response activities during emergencies relate to such supply chain measures
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JEAP will also work towards the deployment of first responders within 24-48 hours of a disease outbreak. The unit will also partner with countries to enhance the continent’s capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to health emergencies.
In a first-of-its kind collaboration, JEAP serves as a guiding beacon for targeted
emergency response interventions and embodies the importance of cross-cutting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilisation.
Delivering quality healthcare services
Summing up, in an inspiring take, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for
the Eastern Mediterranean underscored that; “This visionary collaboration will breathe new life into the efficiency of current coordination mechanisms, strengthen institutions, and ultimately help us deliver quality healthcare services to our communities.”
The partnership and the priority action areas serve to galvanise the commitments from governments, health agencies, and stakeholders. It seeks to strengthen health emergency preparedness, detection, and response efforts.
“Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we will build resilient systems, enhance capacities, and safeguard the well-being of our communities. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering dedication to a healthier, safer Africa,” he explained.
