‘LET’S PREPARE FOR FUTURE OUTBREAKS’

Tanaka Mahanya

COUNTRIES must prioritise their preparedness for future health outbreaks and take measures to prevent and control the spread of diseases.

By working together, and investing in their healthcare systems, countries can ensure that they are better prepared to face these challenges.

This came out in the 15th International Health Regulations emergency committee meeting, which also provided temporary recommendations, which should be followed to deal with future outbreaks.

The meeting concluded that although the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer a state of emergency, this did not mean the end of the pandemic.

Unpacking the recommendations from the 15th IHR emergency committee meeting at a science café, World Health Organisation Zimbabwe Health Emergencies team leader, Lincoln Charimari, emphasised the importance of countries being prepared for future health outbreaks.

He urged countries to invest in their healthcare systems and implement measures to prevent and control the spread of diseases.

The temporary recommendations from the 15th IHR emergency committee meeting also included enhancing surveillance systems for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks, ensuring timely sharing of information related to the pandemic, and strengthening cross-border collaboration.

“We need to use this knowledge to strengthen our healthcare systems and be better prepared for future health emergencies,” he said.

“As individuals, people must consider the risks associated with the pandemic, and observe the wearing of masks when there is no ventilation.

“Also, countries should target high priority groups and continue to actively address vaccine acceptance and demand issues with communities.

“Countries should continue to work with communities and their leaders to achieve strong, resilient, and inclusive risk communications and community engagement.”