The Health Security Committee (HSC) met to discuss the upcoming Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises. The Union Plan, which the Commission will present in the coming months, is one of the key actions listed in the Action Plan accompanying the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, as well as a requirement under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health. Its aim will be to ensure that all actors are ready and capable to respond quickly and effectively to any health crisis, if needed.
During the meeting, the Commission outlined the four guiding approaches that will frame the Union Plan:
- All-hazards covering all types of disruptive events, irrespective of their nature or cause,
- One-Health reflecting the closely linked determinants for the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment,
- Whole-of-government bringing together all levels of administration, and
- Whole-of-society fostering an inclusive culture of preparedness and resilience.
The European Union is facing unprecedented threats, which need to be addressed in a coordinated manner. In recent years, the EU significantly strengthened its health security legal framework to enhance its readiness and ability to respond to future health crises, notably through the establishment of the European Health Union.
The Call for Evidence on the Union Plan – open until 29 October – gives other stakeholders and the larger public the opportunity to provide feedback and make suggestions on the topic.
Source: European Commission | Public Health | In the Spotlight (https://tinyurl.com/sudaxpps)