A strategic framework for emergency preparedness
The purpose of this document is to provide a high level, strategic, unifying framework that outlines what is needed for emergency preparedness. This framework builds on previous efforts, capitalizes on current opportunities, and gives direction for stronger investment in emergency preparedness across relevant sectors and at all levels. It also responds to a number of post-event reviews that have concluded that the world is inadequately prepared for different types of emergencies, and which have recommended strengthening emergency preparedness in countries and communities worldwide.
The main objectives of this framework are:
- To strengthen country and community emergency preparedness in order to ensure a timely, efficient and effective response to events including: local and national outbreaks of infectious diseases that have the potential to cross borders; epidemics and pandemics; and other types of emergencies caused by natural, technological and societal hazards that can have a significant impact on people’s health and on society.
- To advocate for prioritizing financial and other resources for community and country emergency preparedness, and mobilizing increased domestic and international investment in this area.
Ministries of health can use this framework to prioritize and implement important emergency preparedness actions while strengthening intersectoral collaboration with other government sectors, the private sector and civil society. This framework identifies the principles and elements of effective emergency preparedness and lays out the planning process by which countries can determine their priorities and develop or strengthen their operational capacities. It also informs resource allocation, guiding decisions to ensure that financial investments support implementation. Each country’s priorities will be different depending on its risk context and capacities.
In addition, the framework enables stakeholders to identify their roles in and contributions to emergency preparedness, and gives national and international financial partners a grounding to inform their investments. It also points to other more detailed frameworks and tools that can help set priorities.
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