The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed what it describes as a global strategic preparedness and response plan amid the growing threat of worldwide spread of the 2019- novel Corona Virus (nCoV).
In its 15th Situation Report on nCoV-Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD), WHO stated that the plan was crafted based on what the agency and its partners have learned about the virus, and how the knowledge of the virus could considered on the plans of action of affected countries to contain the virus.
“WHO and partners have developed a global strategic preparedness and response plan, which outlines the public health measures that the international community can provide support to all countries to prepare for and respond to the 2019‑nCoV outbreak,” the report read.
“The overall goal of the strategic preparedness and response plan is to stop further transmission of 2019‑nCoV within China and to other countries, and to mitigate the impact of the outbreak in all countries,” it added.
Among the objectives are:
- Limit human-to-human transmission, including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and healthcare workers, preventing transmission amplification events, and preventing further international spread from China;
- Identify, isolate, and care for patients early, including providing optimized care for infected patients;
- Identify and reduce transmission from the animal source;
- Address crucial unknowns regarding clinical severity, extent of transmission and infection, treatment options, and accelerate the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines;
- Communicate critical risk and event information to all communities, and counter misinformation;
- Minimize social and economic impact through multisectoral partnerships.
According to WHO, the objectives they set could be achieved by quick international coordination for technical and operational support on nCoV containment and scaling up preparedness and response operations of every country.
WHO also puts emphasis on the need to accelerate priority research and innovation for cure and vaccine for nCoV. (Aaron Recuenco)
