The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is annually observed across the globe on 27th December to create awareness about the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnership against epidemics.
- The 27th December 2021 marks the observance of the 2nd International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
Aim:
To raise awareness, the exchange of information, scientific knowledge and best practices, quality education, and advocacy programmes on epidemics at the local, national, regional and global levels as a measure to prevent and respond to epidemics.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/27 on 7th December 2020 and proclaimed the 27th December of every year as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was held on 27th December 2020.
Global accord on pandemic prevention:
i.On 1st December 2021, the World Health Assembly(WHA) has agreed to kickstart a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instruments under the Constitution of the World Health Organization(WHO) to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
ii.The WHA met in a special session, 2nd ever since the WHO was founded in 1948 and adopted the decision titled: “The World Together.” to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement, or other international instruments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
iii.The INB will hold its first meeting by 1 March 2022
Epidemic Preparedness and Response:
i.The major risk factors for epidemic are population displacement, malnutrition, collapsed health system, low immunization rates and disruption in vector control programmes.
ii.Epidemics and pandemics are the leading threats to global health security, they affect the health and well-being of the people along with the massive impact on livelihoods and societies.
- Epidemics are an unexpected increase of a specific illness within a community or region.
- Pandemics are when an epidemic occurs worldwide, crossing international borders and affecting a large number of people.
About World Health Organization(WHO):
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Founded in 1948
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
