The document provides guidance for countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area, based on the «lessons learned» from the Covid-19 pandemic and the multinational outbreak of mpox. The aim is to assist public health planners and policymakers in aligning with EU legislation and WHO international standards.
The European agency has identified the need for strong governance and leadership, with a defined role for the public health sector; intersectoral collaboration; equitable access to healthcare; and improved risk communication. This includes community participation and infodemic management to build trust in institutions and science.
To make healthcare systems and societies more resilient and capable of recovering from various crises, the ECDC emphasizes long-term investments in healthcare and public health personnel, including emergency response solutions. Additionally, investment in surveillance systems and laboratory capacity, including genomic sequencing and emergency response planning, is crucial.
Furthermore, coordinated implementation of social and public health measures is recommended, guided by available data and close monitoring of the situation. This involves establishing national coordination structures, maintaining public health emergency operation centers, real-time analysis, and clear escalation protocols and digital surveillance systems and platforms.
The ECDC encourages countries to conduct intersectoral risk mapping, scenario-based planning, and capacity assessments using tools like the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the Annual Self-Assessment Report of Member States (SPAR). It also advises following Post-Action Reviews and During-Action Reviews focused on restoring the healthcare system, adapting existing plans, supporting personnel, and rebuilding public trust.
This guidance places particular emphasis on risk communication, community participation, and infodemic management. It highlights the importance of forming multidisciplinary teams to actively engage with communities, especially when implementing social and public health measures.
FUENTE