Context The emergence of COVID-19 revealed once more the delicate balance of the wildlife-human interface and the threat that zoonoses pose for global health. Early detection and effective risk communication systems can alert public health authorities in time to mitigate potential risks when pathogens jump from animals to humans. In…
Context The One Health approach acknowledges the interdependence and systematic linkages between the health of humans, animals and ecosystems and has gained significant recognition in recent years as an approach for tackling issues at the human-animal-environment interface. While evidence on the benefits of applying the One Health approach is accumulating,…
Context The availability, safety and quality of blood and blood products is an essential component of any health care system. The WHO has therefore listed them as essential medicines. Blood products are life-saving for many patients, in particular for women with pregnancy-related complications, children suffering from severe anaemia and people…
Context Genomic surveillance (GS) is crucial for monitoring known and newly emerging pathogens and for efficiently responding to infectious disease threats with epidemic or pandemic potential. It can transform public health action by providing a deeper understanding of pathogens and their evolution and circulation in the human population. Good GS…
Context Emergency medical teams (EMTs) are a key element of surge response capacity during national and international health crises, such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Strengthening EMT capacities is embedded in the approach of the WHO’s EMT Initiative. This can be facilitated by supporting countries in building national EMT…
Context Despite significant progress in immunisation coverage in recent decades, the objectives of many Global Vaccine Action Plans have not been met. For many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic was a further impediment to achieving their target vaccination coverage, as they had to shift their focus to the introduction of COVID-19…
Context Under the International Health Regulations (2005), all WHO Member States are committed to strengthening their capacities to respond effectively to public health crises. SEAR Member States are frequently subject to climate- and infectious disease-related health crises. Health emergency operations centres (HEOCs) play a crucial role in responding…
Context Global health crises are on the rise, especially those caused by infectious disease outbreaks, and pose a serious threat to health and well-being. WHO estimates that up to 10 million lives could be saved every year if access to safe and effective medicines and vaccines were improved. As a…
Context The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need to increase laboratory capacities in many countries, including the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Since 2020, the BNITM has been supporting the country’s Ministry of Health in implementing laboratory diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 under the SToP-CoV project. Nevertheless, there is still room…