Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET)
The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is an innovative approach to improving disease pandemic preparedness. It recognizes that the same systems, capacities, knowledge, and tools can be leveraged and applied for groups of pathogens based on their mode of transmission (respiratory, vector-borne, foodborne etc.). PRET incorporates the latest tools and approaches for shared learning and collective action established during the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent public health emergencies. It places the principles of equity, inclusivity, and coherence at the forefront. PRET provides a platform for national, regional and global stakeholders to collaborate to strengthen preparedness. Technical resource packs, a PRET network and an online community of practice (HIVE) are coming soon.
About Us:
PRET builds on the current momentum to strengthen the global architecture for health security (prevention, preparedness, response and resilience). In accordance with resolutions WHA58.5, WHA74.7 and WHA 75.7, it operationalizes the vision of a more equitable and robust response to future disease pandemics. Drawing upon lessons from previous events and identified gaps and opportunities, PRET helps stakeholders to converge resources and ensure that there is:
- clarity on implementation priorities as established by country authorities, and in line with regional and global mandates;
- increased opportunity for collaboration; and
- common and systematic roll-out of resources that facilitates cross-country and cross-stakeholder actions.
Respiratory Pathogens Partners Engagement Forum (R-PEF)
To strengthen networking for respiratory pathogen preparedness planning, WHO convenes an informal coordination forum, the Respiratory Pathogens Partners Engagement Forum (R-PEF). The R-PEF enables WHO and partners to exchange information on planned activities, lessons learnt, gaps and needs, reviews, and other developments relating to pandemic preparedness for respiratory pathogens. More information on the R-PEF is available on the Terms of Reference.
Useful information
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 92 (47%) Member States reported having respiratory pathogen (influenza) pandemic preparedness plans. Many
Member States adapted these plans to support their COVID-19 response.
Throughout the pandemic, additional Member States developed or updated
their plans with 176 (91%) reporting that they had a COVID-19 pandemic response plan in 2021. WHO has set global targets for Member States to develop or update their respiratory pathogen pandemic plans:
Since the launch of the PRET initiative and the delivery of a high-level global call to action, more than 50 Member States across five WHO regions have implemented PRET workshops and simulation exercises. An additional 46 countries across the six regions have plans to implement similar PRET activities by end of 2023.
Case studies
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