Epidemic Readiness and Intervention (ERI)
Mission
The mission of the Epidemic Readiness and Intervention (ERI) Sub-Unit is to contribute to the strengthened capacity of Member States to develop and implement national preparedness and response plans for pandemic- and epidemic-prone diseases and to improve regional capacity for the early detection, confirmation and response to pandemic- and epidemic-prone diseases and other public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC).
Key Functions- Monitor epidemic-prone diseases outbreaks in the Region.
- Provide technical support to Member States to develop and implement integrated national preparedness and response plans for pandemic and epidemic-prone diseases.
- Provide technical support to Member States to establish and maintain inter-sectoral national epidemic preparedness and response committees.
- Support the establishment and functioning of regional and national epidemic rapid response teams.
- Provide Member States with technical support during outbreaks/epidemics as needed.
- Coordinate technical support provided by Inter-Country Support Teams and Rapid Response Team members to Member States for epidemic response.
- Coordinate technical, logistical, financial and other support from partners during outbreak/ epidemic as needed.
- Facilitate the cross-border exchange of outbreak related information as needed.
- Provide support to national epidemic management committees and to epidemic rapid response teams through the provision of standardized guidelines (SOPs) for epidemic preparedness and response.
- Health promotion for epidemic prevention and control including social mobilization and community involvement in epidemic prevention and control.
- Support Member States to develop or strengthen national infection control programmes and activities.
- Coordinate assistance to Member States in the preparation of WHO Project Proposals and WHO Appeals for mobilizing external resources to strengthen EPR.
- Coordinate the strengthening of awareness and technical capacity of WHO Country Offices (WRs and Country Teams) in epidemic preparedness and response.
- Support Member States and ISTs to establish manage and maintain emergency stocks for epidemic response.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of epidemic preparedness and response activities in Member States.