Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a PRET initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is PRET Initiative?
- The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is launched by the WHO to prepare for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It is aimed at providing guidance on integrated planning for responding to any respiratory pathogen such as influenza or coronaviruses.
- The current focus of PRET is on respiratory viruses, but work is already underway to assess what should be the next group of pathogens to be mitigated under this initiative.
- It can serve to operationalize the objectives and provisions of the Pandemic Accord, which is currently being negotiated by WHO Member States.
Three-pronged approach of PRET
- The three-pronged approach includes-
- Updating preparedness plans
- Increasing connectivity among stakeholders in pandemic preparedness planning, and
- Dedicating sustained investments, financing, and monitoring of pandemic preparedness.
- The approach has a special focus on bridging the gaps highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring community engagement and equity are at the centre of preparedness and response efforts.
