National Public Health Institutes: Leadership in Emergencies
Infographic Details
SITUATION
Public health threats are always present. Whether by naturally occurring, accidental, or intentional means, these threats can become public health emergencies. Being prepared to prevent, respond to, and rapidly recover from public health threats is critical for protecting and securing a nation’s public health.
An effective public health response begins with an effective public health system. Fully functioning national public health institutes (NPHIs) ensure that systems are in place to respond to public health threats. CDC, in collaboration with the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, provides technical assistance to NPHIs around the world to safeguard the public’s health in times of crises.
Investing in the development and strengthening of an NPHI can improve the public health emergency management, as well as help coordinate actions of other sectors (e.g., agriculture, environment) resulting in a more effective, faster overall response. The coordinating role of an NPHI in an emergency relies on strong public health emergency management, so developing preparedness and response capabilities often goes hand-in-hand with NPHI capacity building.
PREPARE
Ensure emergency management staff are trained, systems are functioning, and critical medicines and supplies are available before an emergency strikes.
RESPOND
Execute emergency response plans, resulting in more effective and efficient responses, with a clear focal point and improved compliance with International Health Regulations 2005.
RECOVER
Create, coordinate, and disseminate information, alerts, warnings, and notifications to the public, improve understanding of the public health threat and send clear messages to media and communities.
CONNECT
Coordinate reviews of what worked and what went wrong during the response, generating actionable ideas to assist the NPHI and MoH in developing plans to improve future recovery operations.
For more information visit:www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/nphi/index.htm
