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Description

In outbreaks, “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. COVID-19 crisis gave impetus to the need to respond early and fast to pandemics and strengthen a global and coordinated response.

In this event, we will discuss how to better prepare for and respond to outbreaks, before they hit the headlines, and even if they “only” affect remote regions.

As research is key to any response, this WHA side event will use Mpox case studies (Brazil, DRC) to illustrate challenges, followed byp anel and audience discussions on the needs and possible solutions to better prepare and conduct fast and effective research.

The global response can only be effective if it ensures a valid response for all contexts where diseases emerge. The recent example of Mpox illustrates important aspects for patients and researchers in affected areas: clinical differences (populations, severity), political prioritisation, health infrastructure, socio-economic contexts. As in Mpox, to be effective, any global response must take these aspects into consideration, to ensure an inclusive and targeted public health approach, which adjusts to specificities linked to access to care for all populations, especially the most vulnerable populations - such as children, those living in rural areas, populations at highest risk, as well as the technical approach to research.

The event will also discuss innovative regulatory approaches and “at risk” investments in health infrastructure to conduct research, so that affected localities, regions and the world are suitably prepared.

Speakers

Part I - Fast, effective research is key to outbreak response, what is the reality on the ground? Mpox case studies Congo DRC and Brazil. 

• Introduction: Prof. Maha El Rabbat, Professor of Public Health, Cairo University, WHO Director General Special Envoy on COVID-19.
• Dr Kawaya (IRNB)
• Dr Beatriz Grinsztejn (Evandro Chagas National Infectiology Institute FIOCRUZ)
• Introduced / Chaired by: Dr Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft (PANTHER General Delegate and DNDi COVID and Preparedness Response Director.)

Part II - How can global action really meet local needs in emerging outbreaks? (Live / in person panel discussion)

• Dr Dimié Ogoina, Chief Medical Director of Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, President, Nigeria Infectious Diseases Society
• Dr Marie Jaspard (ALIMA)
• Prof. Yazdan Zazdanpanah, Head, Infectious Disease Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, France.
• Dr Mimi Darko, Ghana FDA
• Dr Veronika von Messling (BMBF)
• Chaired by: Dr Samba Sow, Director CVD Mali

Closing remarks:

• Dr Ahmed Ouma Ogwell, Acting Director, Africa CDC
• Dr Ahmed Mandil from EMRO

Organisers

The Global Health Centre and the International Geneva Global Health Platform, PANTHER Health.