Emergency Preparedness and Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG)

Brazzaville – In a serious step in the direction of strengthening well being safety within the African Area, the World Well being Group (WHO) Regional Workplace for Africa (AFRO) has established an Emergency Preparedness & Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG). This unbiased physique serves because the principal advisory group to WHO AFRO for strategic steering on all issues pertaining to public well being emergency preparedness and response.

The EPR Technical Advisory Group will play a essential function in supporting WHO African Member States to fortify well being safety within the face of various emergencies. International locations within the WHO African Area expertise over 100 well being emergencies yearly which disrupt the financial system and prosperity of communities and weaken already fragile well being methods. With local weather change and battle aggravating greater than half of Africa’s well being emergencies, the following pandemic isn’t just a chance, it is imminent. It’s crucial, now greater than ever, to boost the Emergency Preparedness and Response capabilities inside the Area.

Composed of 16 distinguished consultants (particulars beneath) from various fields like epidemiology, public well being, international well being, vaccinology, paediatrics, diet, inside drugs, infectious illnesses, programme administration, health-care administration, well being economics, well being communication, sociology, the EPR-TAG advises the WHO AFRO Regional Director on key points. These embrace assessing the regional context of infectious illnesses and different public well being emergencies; conducting horizon scanning for brand spanking new and rising threats; offering strategic steering on preparedness, response, and restoration methods; reviewing progress in implementing regional well being safety initiatives; and strengthening nation possession and decision-making in emergency response.

The EPR-TAG is chaired by Dr Deo Nshimirimana, a retired WHO medical physician famend for his experience in immunization in emergency settings. Helping him is Dr Rebecca Martin, Vice President of World Well being and Director of the Emory World Well being Institute, appointed because the Vice-Chairperson. Dr Martin brings many years of expertise in well being safety, emergency response and immunization. Each leaders convey a wealth of expertise in public well being and can information the EPR-TAG for an preliminary three-year time period. “The chance to steer the EPR-TAG is a superb honour, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this transformative crew. I’m assured that our collective experience will considerably contribute to enhancing Africa’s preparedness and response capabilities, making certain a extra resilient defence in opposition to ongoing and future well being threats. Collectively, we are able to make a considerable affect on the well-being of African nations.” – Dr Deo Nshimirimana.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commented on the institution of the EPR-TAG, stating: “The Emergency Preparedness & Response technical group will play a essential function in strengthening our capability, working collectively with companions, to help nations to organize for, reply to, get well from public well being emergencies whereas persevering with to supply important well being care, throughout the African Area. I look ahead, with our crew, to leveraging its various experience and unbiased perspective, for the good thing about our Member States.”

The inaugural assembly of this prestigious group is happening in Saly, Senegal from 16 to 17 July 2024. This gathering marks a historic second because the EPR-TAG begins its journey to boost well being safety throughout the African area. The institution of the EPR-TAG underlines WHO AFRO’s dedication to constructing a stronger, extra resilient African Area ready to face any public well being problem. With its professional steering and collaborative strategy, the EPR-TAG will play an important function in defending the well being and well-being of thousands and thousands of individuals throughout the continent.

For extra info, please be happy to contact WHO through eprtag [at] who.int

Checklist of the WHO AFRO Emergency Preparedness & Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG) Members