Strengthened International HeAlth Regulations and Preparedness in the EU - Joint Action

ended

The SHARP Joint Action will strengthen implementation of Decision 1082/2013/EU, supporting the EU level preparedness and responses to health threats and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005). The Joint Action implements actions mentioned in Annex 1 of the Annual Work plan 2018 of the EU Health Programme 2014-2020. Through the Joint Action, the member and partner states and the Unions common ability to prevent, detect and respond to biological outbreaks, chemical contamination and environmental and unknown threats to human health will be strengthened. Special efforts will be employed to fill gaps that have been or will be identified in priority countries (countries that have biggest gaps in the capacity required for full IHR capability). The Joint action consists of 10 Work Packages, covering core public health capacities according to the IHR (2005). In addition to a coordination function, these will cover areas such as Communication, Evaluation, Sustainability, IHR core capacity, Preparedness, Laboratories, Training and exercises, Chemical threats and Clinical management. SHARP will also collaborate with several other Joint Actions, specifically the “Healthy Gateways” that addresses Points of Entry, the Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV) and the Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance (EU-JAMRAI). The partnership of the joint action consists of 26 Associated Partners and 35 Affiliated Entities, which all will receive Commission co-funding. In addition there are 10 Collaborating Partners that will self-fund all activities that they participate in. Totally 30 countries (24 EU members, 3 EEA/EFTA members and 3 European neighborhood countries) participate in the Joint Action. The SHARP JA will liaise with and collaborate with the ECDC, the WHO EURO regional office and the WHO Health Emergency and IHR unit in Lyon, and IANPHI in relevant activities. Special emphasis will be made to avoid duplication of work for the member states.