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Context:

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has activated the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) for the first time in response to a recent mpox outbreak.

About Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC)

GHEC is a framework for enhancing health emergency workforce capacity within health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) work, and a collaboration platform for countries and health emergency networks.

Many initiatives are already vital pillars of the GHEC as they bring together partners and countries, and contribute to the common vision:

• Emergency Medical Teams initiative (EMT)
• Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)
• International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI)
• Public Health Emergency Operations Center Network (EOC-NET)
• Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET)
• Standby Partnership network (SBP)
• Global Health Cluster

At the regional level, efforts are underway to adapt the concept and platform of the health emergency corps to each context.

Benefits of the Global Health Emergency Corps

Emergency workforce

• Countries strengthen their workforces to detect and contain emerging health threats.
• Capacity strengthening is implemented based on international guidance, standards and benchmarks.
• Health emergencies are managed closest to where they start.

Surge capacities

• Countries can scale response with their own rapidly deployable surge capacities and expertise.
• Countries can access trusted existing networks for interoperable surge capacities when required.
• No country or district is overwhelmed by emerging health threats.

Connected leaders

• Leaders have a trusted network to collaborate on regional and global responses to transnational health threats.
• Coordinated global solidarity exists when needed.
• The next pandemic is stopped.

About WHO

• Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
• WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage.
  • • It directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies.
    • It promotes healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age.
    • Its Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.
• Working with 194 Member States across 6 regions and on the ground in 150+ locations, the WHO team works to improve everyone’s ability to enjoy good health and well-being.

READ ABOUT MPOX-

Mpox: Understanding the Virus and Its Impact

Source:

DOWNTOEARTH

 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the significance of the Global Health Emergency Corps in addressing global health crises. Analyze its potential impact on international collaboration in light of recent global pandemics. (250 words)