Digital supplement on pandemic preparedness

In 2023, FIP published a new report “Pandemic preparedness, response and recovery: Lessons learnt for global pharmacy”. The report is accompanied by this digital supplement on pandemic preparedness, response and recovery, which collates key resources from the global health community, other health professions and key research outputs. The digital supplement will continuously be updated to include emerging data and lessons — and will expand to include more examples from FIP members as the world continues to recover and learn from COVID-19.

 

Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response accord

This is a web page from the World Health Organization that provides information and answers to frequently asked questions about the global process to draft and negotiate a new international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. It explains the rationale, objectives, scope, timeline, and stakeholders of the process, and how it relates to the existing International Health Regulations.

Nurses Facing COVID - 2023 Health Emergencies "GRAND PRIX" at the 4th Health for All Film Festival

This is a short film that showcases the stories of nurses from different countries who have been working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights their courage, dedication, resilience, and compassion in providing care to patients and communities. It also raises awareness of the challenges and needs of nurses in health emergencies.

Strengthening the global architecture for health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience

This report provides an overview of the current global architecture for health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience. It analyzes its strengths and gaps, as well as its alignment with other relevant frameworks and initiatives. It also proposes recommendations for strengthening the global architecture in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and future health threats.

Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET)

This is an initiative from the World Health Organization that aims to improve disease pandemic preparedness by leveraging and applying the same systems, capacities, knowledge, and tools for groups of pathogens based on their mode of transmission. It focuses on four priority areas: respiratory pathogens, vector-borne pathogens, foodborne pathogens, and zoonotic pathogens.

Mainstreaming gender within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme: 2022–2026 strategy

This document presents the strategy for mainstreaming gender within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). It defines gender mainstreaming as “the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action”. It outlines the vision, objectives, principles, approaches, actions, indicators, and governance arrangements for integrating gender into WHE’s work across all phases of health emergencies.

A global analysis of COVID-19 intra-action reviews: reflecting on, adjusting and improving country emergency preparedness and response during a pandemic

This report presents the results of a global analysis of intra-action reviews (IARs) conducted by countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. IARs are rapid assessments that aim to identify strengths and weaknesses of the ongoing response and recommend actions for improvement. The report summarizes the main findings, challenges, best practices, and lessons learned from 64 IARs conducted in 2020.

Strategic preparedness, readiness and response plan to end the global COVID-19 emergency in 2022

This is a document from the World Health Organization that outlines a number of key strategic adjustments that are needed to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers topics such as vaccination, testing, treatment, public health measures, health system strengthening, risk communication, surveillance, research and innovation, and global solidarity.

WHO Guidance on Preparing for National Response to Health Emergencies and Disasters

This document provides guidance to countries on how to develop or update their national plans for health emergency preparedness and response. It outlines the key components and steps of a planning process, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. It also provides examples of good practices and lessons learned from previous health emergencies.

World Health Assembly agrees to launch process to develop historic global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

The article reports that the World Health Assembly has agreed to initiate a process for developing a groundbreaking global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The aim is to establish a comprehensive and collaborative framework to address future health emergencies effectively at a global level.

Strategic toolkit for assessing risks: a comprehensive toolkit for all-hazards health emergency risk assessment

This document provides a toolkit for conducting health emergency risk assessments at national and subnational levels. It covers the concepts, methods, tools, and steps of risk assessment for different types of hazards, such as biological, chemical, radiological, natural, and human-induced. It also provides guidance on how to use the results of risk assessment for risk management and communication.

Framework for strengthening health emergency preparedness in cities and urban settings

This document provides a framework for enhancing the capacity of cities and urban settings to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. It identifies six core functions and 12 essential elements of urban health emergency preparedness, as well as indicators for measuring progress. It also provides guidance on how to implement the framework in different contexts and scenarios.

Multisectoral preparedness coordination framework

This document provides a framework for coordinating multisectoral preparedness activities at national and subnational levels. It defines multisectoral preparedness as “the process of ensuring that all relevant sectors are ready to prevent or respond effectively to public health threats”. It describes the roles and responsibilities of different actors involved in multisectoral preparedness coordination, as well as the key functions and processes of coordination mechanisms.

Clinical Management of COVID-19: Interim Guidance 2020

This is a guidance document that provides recommendations for the clinical management of patients with COVID-19. It covers topics such as screening and triage, diagnosis and testing, infection prevention and control, treatment and care, supportive therapies, critical care, special populations, rehabilitation, palliative care, and ethical considerations. It also includes annexes with technical information and tools.

State of the world's nursing 2020: investing in education, jobs and leadership

This report provides an overview of the global nursing workforce, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improving its capacity and contribution to health. It presents data and analysis on the education, employment, regulation, leadership, and policy environment of nurses. It also provides recommendations for strengthening nursing in support of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Health emergency and disaster risk management framework

This document provides a framework for applying a risk management approach to health emergencies and disasters. It defines health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM) as “the systematic analysis and management of health risks posed by emergencies and disasters”. It describes the core components and principles of Health EDRM, as well as its linkages with other relevant frameworks and initiatives.

Pandemic influenza preparedness and response: a WHO guidance document

This document provides guidance to countries and partners on how to prepare for and respond to pandemic influenza. It covers topics such as surveillance, risk assessment, communication, interventions, vaccine development and distribution, and ethical considerations. It also includes annexes with technical information and tools

What the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed: the findings of five global health workforce professions

This report presents the findings of a survey conducted by the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) among five health professions: dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and physicians. It explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health workforce, their working conditions, their mental health, and their views on the pandemic response and recovery.

World Immunisation Week 2023

This is a website that provides information and resources for the World Immunisation Week, which is an annual campaign that aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. The theme for 2023 is “Vaccines bring us closer”, which emphasizes the role of vaccines in connecting people and communities, as well as preventing outbreaks and pandemics. The website features stories, events, materials, and tools for raising awareness and advocacy on immunisation.

Documenting the evidence: Covid-19 impact on health professionals

This is a report that presents the findings of a survey conducted by the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) among five health professions: dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and physicians. It explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health workforce, their working conditions, their mental health, and their views on the pandemic response and recovery.

A window of opportunity: Delivering prevention in an ageing world

This is a report that examines the current state of prevention in an ageing world. It argues that prevention is not only possible but essential for healthy ageing. It covers topics such as the benefits of prevention across the life course, the barriers to prevention in older age, the evidence base for effective interventions, the policy implications and recommendations for action. It also provides case studies from different countries that have implemented prevention strategies for older people.

Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond

This is a report that presents the findings of a survey conducted by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) among its member associations. It explores the challenges and opportunities for sustaining and retaining nurses in the workforce in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers topics such as nurse migration, education and training, regulation and registration, leadership and governance, working conditions and safety, mental health and well-being, recognition and reward, and advocacy and policy

A country-level pandemic response toolkit: Enabling lessons learned

This is a toolkit that provides guidance and tools for conducting lessons learned exercises at the country level during or after a pandemic response. It covers topics such as planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, reporting, and disseminating lessons learned. It also provides examples and case studies from different countries that have used the toolkit.

World Health Assembly Closes Session with Biggest Challenge Still Looming

A news article that reports on the outcomes and challenges of the 75th World Health Assembly, which took place in May 2023. It highlights the key resolutions and decisions adopted by the member states, such as the pandemic accord, the global health security agenda, the health workforce strategy, and the health and care workforce compact. It also discusses the remaining issues and gaps that need to be addressed, such as vaccine equity, health system strengthening, and financing.

The Center for Health Security undertakes projects, collaborations, and initiatives to examine how scientific and technological innovations can strengthen health security.

 This is the website of the Center for Health Security, an independent research center based at Johns Hopkins University that focuses on improving health security and public health preparedness in the face of biological threats. The website provides information about the center’s mission, vision, values, staff, publications, events, and programs.The Center for Health Security conducts research, analysis, advocacy, education, and outreach on various topics related to health security, such as biosecurity, biosafety, biotechnology, pandemic preparedness, outbreak response, global health security, health systems resilience, medical countermeasures, risk communication, and emerging infectious diseases

Pandemic Preparedness: How will the international accord help respond to unforeseen shocks?

This is a report from Science|Business that explores the challenges and opportunities of creating a global agreement on pandemic prevention and response. It also provides recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on how to make such an accord effective and inclusive. 

UK develops genetic early warning system for future pandemics

This is a news article from The Guardian that reports on a new initiative by the UK government to use genomic sequencing and data analysis to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases. Summary: The UK is investing £20m in a project called GEAR, which stands for Genomic Epidemiology for Antimicrobial Resistance. The aim is to use advanced technologies to monitor the genetic changes of pathogens and identify potential threats before they become outbreaks. The project will involve collaboration between public health agencies, academic institutions, and private companies.

Pandemic preparedness: How will the international treaty help respond to unforeseen shocks?

This was an online event organized by Science|Business that discussed the prospects and challenges of developing a new international treaty on pandemic preparedness and response. It will feature speakers from various sectors and backgrounds who will share their views and insights on this topic.

 

Local Agency and a Culture of Readiness Drive MSH’s Position on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Our Expert Explains

The article discusses how Management Sciences for Health (MSH), through a local agency and a culture of preparedness, has positioned itself for pandemic preparedness and response. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement, capacity-building, and proactive measures in addressing public health crises like pandemics.

COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic

This is a report from the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response that evaluates the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for preventing and managing future pandemics. The report was published in May 2021 after a year-long investigation by the panel.

FDA COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PREPP) Initiative

This is a summary report from the Food and Drug Administration that provides an objective review of the FDA’s pandemic response, inventory accomplishments and activities, and identifies future opportunities for consideration. It covers topics such as emergency use authorization, science-based communication, inspectional approaches, supply chain tracking, and public health infrastructure.

From insights to action: Gender equality in the wake of COVID-19

This is a report from UN Women that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality and women’s rights around the world. It also outlines concrete actions that governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and international institutions can take to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the post-pandemic recovery.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is an international strategy adopted by the United Nations member states to guide and enhance global efforts in reducing disaster risks and increasing resilience to disasters. It was adopted during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, in March 2015. The framework is built on the lessons learned from previous disaster events and strategies and aims to address a wide range of natural and human-induced hazards, from earthquakes and tsunamis to climate-related events, technological accidents, and more.

The Economic Burden of COVID-19 Infections amongst Health Care Workers

This joint report by the World Bank and Resolve to Save Lives estimates for the first time the economic burden of health care worker infection and death during COVID-19. It provides a framework for understanding the true cost, capturing the direct and indirect cost of HCW infections, their contributions to wider community transmissions and the economic toll of disrupted health services.

Modelling the economic burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers in four countries

This is a research article from Nature Communications that estimates the economic costs of COVID-19 infections among health care workers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The article uses a mathematical model to simulate different scenarios of infection rates, hospitalization rates, mortality rates, and productivity losses among health care workers and their households.

Pandemic Preparedness: COVID-19 Lessons Learned in New York's Hospitals

This is a review article from Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness that summarizes the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic response in New York’s hospitals. The article draws on the experiences and perspectives of hospital leaders, clinicians, administrators, and staff who were involved in the pandemic response.

Pharmacists' involvement in COVID-19 vaccination across Europe: a situational analysis of current practice and policy

This paper aims to summarise current policy and practice in relation to pharmacists' involvement in COVID-19 vaccination in 13 countries across Europe.

Preparedness of Health Care Workers and Medical Students in University Hospital in Krakow for COVID-19 Pandemic within the CRACoV Project

This is a research article from the Journal of Clinical Medicine that evaluates the level of preparedness and knowledge of health care workers and medical students in a university hospital in Krakow, Poland, for the COVID-19 pandemic. The article uses a survey method to collect data from 1,021 participants between March and April 2020.

“Vital in today's time”: Evaluation of a disaster table-top exercise for pharmacists and pharmacy staff

While the importance of pharmacists’ involvement in disaster management is becoming increasingly recognised in the literature, there remains little research on methods for preparing pharmacists and pharmacy staff for disasters. The objective of this project is to investigate the use of a table-top disaster exercise to improve disaster awareness and preparedness for pharmacists and pharmacy staff attending The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) Medicine Management conference 2019.

Pharmacy Emergency Preparedness and Response (PEPR): a proposed framework for expanding pharmacy professionals’ roles and contributions to emergency preparedness and response during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

This is a research article that proposes a framework for integrating pharmacy professionals into public health emergency preparedness and response efforts. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in different domains and phases of emergency management, and provides recommendations for enhancing their capacity and collaboration.

Evaluation of a pharmacy emergency response conference workshop

 The importance of pharmacists' involvement in disasters is becoming increasingly recognised in the literature. The aim of this project was to determine the effectiveness of a disaster workshop in improving pharmacy staff’s perceived capabilities to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Emergency Preparedness: Emergency and Disaster Resources - ASHP

This is a web page from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists that provides information and resources related to preparing for and responding to the emergencies that can affect health-systems and other acute and ambulatory centers. It includes documents, articles, guidelines, tools, and products that help members plan for natural disasters and other emergencies.

Role of Health System Pharmacists in Emergency Preparedness

This is a policy statement from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists that defines the scope and standards of practice for pharmacists in emergency preparedness and response. It describes the competencies, functions, and activities of pharmacists in various scenarios and settings, and advocates for their involvement and recognition in emergency planning and operations

Emergency Preparedness Resource Kit for Pharmacists

This is a guideline document from the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba that provides practical information and tools for pharmacists to prepare for and respond to emergencies. It covers topics such as emergency planning, communication, drug supply, patient care, documentation, and recovery.

Emergency Preparedness Resource Kit for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (Adapted with permission from the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba)

This is a guideline document from the College of Pharmacy Professionals (adapted from the document from the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba) that provides practical information and tools for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to prepare for and respond to emergencies. It covers topics such as emergency planning, communication, drug supply, patient care, documentation, and recovery.

Pharmacy and Emergency Preparedness: A Landscape Analysis

This is a report from the National Association of County and City Health Officials that examines the current state of pharmacy involvement in emergency preparedness and response at the local level. It identifies the barriers, facilitators, best practices, and gaps in collaboration between pharmacies and local health departments. It also provides recommendations for enhancing pharmacy engagement and integration in emergency preparedness and response.