28.H. Workshop: Health Preparedness

Abstract

This session will take stock of national, EU and global health preparedness for serious cross border threats to health. As we have all seen, health preparedness and global health emergency preparedness frameworks are essential, as highlighted by the advent of COVID-19. Events such as these may be rare but are a perfect example of why engaging in health preparedness and response planning is essential. These novel types of viruses are not the only cause for the need for health preparedness, which extends to more standard planning of health systems, pandemic influenza plans and other unexpected but serious events such as the deliberate release of biological or chemical agents. This discussion will therefore review health preparedness, using the example of COVID-19, as well as reviewing the gaps identified and what more must be done at EU, national, regional and global levels to ensure health preparedness is effective to protect our societies.Key messages Health preparedness and global health emergency preparedness frameworks are essential for protecting health.Engaging in health preparedness and response planning is essential for an effective response to public health emergencies.