The preparedness and response activities aim for a European Union to be fully prepared to effectively respond to any communicable disease threat. This translates in the focus on pandemic and generic preparedness activities, and the support to the investigation and control of public health threats from communicable diseases or diseases of unknown origin. More specifically, in order to strengthen EU public health work force we aim to:
- Define a strategy, tools and guidelines to enhance the preparedness of EU Member States for the prevention and control of communicable diseases;
- Ensure an appropriate and timely response in case of public health threats with a European dimension;
- Support Member States in planning preparedness activities, making them operational, testing them by exercises, and refining the existing plans, as well as support to strengthen and optimize the response capacity;
- Facilitate the rapid mobilization of a network of European experts, including microbiologists, in response to requests for assistance from EU Member States, third countries or international organizations;
- Ensure a coordinated approach in preparedness, outbreak investigation and control between affected Member States, as well as efficient communication between all stakeholders;
Activities:
- Competent bodies meetings
- Influenza Pandemic preparedness
- Communicable disease threats at mass gatherings
- Bioterrorism
- Simulation Exercises
- Outbreak assistance teams
- Emerging and re-emerging diseases
- Outbreak support
- Guidelines and procedures