International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2023

2023-12-16 10:32:44

On December 27 we celebrate the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness to promote awareness, prevention and control of these worldwide. The recent VOVID 19 pandemic has put on the table the importance of having more and more solid health systems that allow us to reach all people, including the most vulnerable.

He International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 7, 2020 at the initiative of the Vietnamese Embassy, ​​and since then it has been celebrated every December 27. This anniversary aims to highlight the serious repercussions that infectious diseases, epidemics and pandemics can have on human life and the economic and social development of countries, especially the poorest ones. Tribute is also paid to Louis Pasteur, as a precursor of modern microbiology, since he was one of the scientists who established the foundations of preventive medicine.

What is an epidemic and when is it considered a pandemic?

The term epidemic comes from the Greek epi (over) and demos (people). An epidemic refers to the occurrence of cases of a disease in a specific population and in a given geographic location that exceeds what is normally expected. That is, it implies an unusual increase in the incidence of a disease at a specific place and time.

However, the scope and severity of an epidemic can vary. In some cases, an epidemic may be limited to a small geographic area, while in others it may affect a larger population. It is important to note that the term “epidemic” does not automatically imply that the disease is very dangerous or deadly, as it simply refers to the unusual spread of the disease.

It can be said that what differentiates an epidemic from a pandemic It is the reach and the spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the epidemic as “the occurrence in a community or region of cases of a disease”, while the term pandemic establishes a general or universal scope, although in some cases the term has been used when a disease spreads throughout a country.

For example, in the case of the COVID-19 The WHO decided to declare the virus a pandemic on March 11, when the disease had already affected more than 124,000 people in 114 countries and had caused the death of more than 4,500 people.

Strengthening health systems is vital

The importance of preventing and preparing for the possible effects of epidemics lies in the ability to preserve the health and well-being of communities globally. Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and destroy the livelihoods of people, particularly women and children, as well as the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries. in a disproportionate way. That is why it is urgent to have solid and resilient health systems that reach people who are vulnerable or find themselves in vulnerable situations.

By investing resources in prevention, an effective barrier is established against the devastating impact that epidemics can have on public health, social and economic stability, as well as environmental sustainability.

Prevention is essential for the sustainability of the planet

In an increasingly interconnected world, where borders are permeable to health threats, preparedness for epidemics is revealed as a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of the planet. At the intersection of ecology, environment and health, the urgent need emerges to build a robust defense against the spread of diseases that can affect entire communities and, ultimately, our shared ecosystem.

Preparedness for possible epidemics not only protects individual health, but acts as a shield for public health as a whole. Anticipating epidemics allows for an agile and effective response, which not only saves human lives, but also contributes to the preservation of wildlife and the health of our ecosystems. Timely containment of diseases prevents devastating impacts on fauna and flora, which are intrinsically linked to our well-being.

The importance of international cooperation and multilateralism

International collaboration in responding to epidemics is crucial. Cooperation and solidarity between each person, the community, states, and regional and international organizations is essential at all stages of epidemic management.

The World Health Organization, as the flagship of the United Nations system, not only leads the global response to infectious diseases, but also provides substantial support to efforts undertaken at the national, regional and international levels. Its contribution extends to the prevention and mitigation of the repercussions associated with epidemics, a fundamental commitment to address these challenges if we aspire to continue making progress towards realizing the objectives established in the Agenda 2030.

In this context, financing and resource allocation by the international community become crucial. Investment in research, development of health infrastructure and training of medical personnel becomes an act of solidarity to strengthen the capacity of less developed and vulnerable countries against the onslaught of emerging diseases.

The equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments is also essential to ensure that all countries, regardless of their economic capacity, have access to the tools necessary to confront epidemics. The international community, through strategic alliances and collaborative agreements, has the responsibility to eliminate barriers that hinder equity in health care.

Global cooperation in scientific research and knowledge exchange becomes essential. The international community must foster collaboration between scientists, institutions and governments to better understand emerging diseases, develop effective prevention strategies and ensure a coordinated and efficient response.

Preparedness for epidemics becomes an act of shared responsibility. The international community, by uniting in a common front, demonstrates that solidarity transcends borders and that the preservation of global health is an objective that concerns us all. In this collective commitment, we find the strength necessary to confront the threats of epidemics and build a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.