Against the backdrop of SARS, or potential terrorist attacks using biological agents and the threat of pandemic influenza, the need to have a comprehensive and streamlined health emergency preparedness plan has become essential. Following recommendations from the Council in May and June 2003, the Directorate General Health and Consumer Protection (DG Sanco) of the European Commission attempts to develop such a plan. Strikingly it should be noted that the communication has been published under the bioterrorist pillar of the health threats activity.
DG Sanco sets out that the objectives of an EU action will be to assist Member States in developing their own plan and enhance cooperation between member states.
The technical guidance document is designed as a checklist where national level and community level actions are defined (as well as key actors such as the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention).
Three main activities are mentioned:
sharing knowledge and allowing comparisons;
identifying the contribution and role of Community legislation;
and ensuring the interoperability of the various plans.
Consequently, the planning document addresses the different key phases and sectors involved in emergency planning:
1. Information management;
2. Communication;
3. Scientific advice;
4. Liaison and control structures ;
5. Health sector preparedness;
6. Preparedness in other sectors;
7. Coordination of actions between services and availability of resources.
The role of civil society, public health and healthcare professional organisations is not mentioned.
This approach is coherent with the World Health Organisation guidelines on Influenza preparedness as well as the European frameworks on civil protection.
