PRET: WHO launches initiative to make world better prepared for future pandemics

Source: The post is based on the article “PRET: WHO launches initiative to make world better prepared for future pandemics” published in Down To Earth on 27th April 2023

What is the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative.

What is Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative?

Launched by: World Health Organization (WHO) 

Aim: To be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.

– To provide guidance on integrated planning for responding to any respiratory pathogen such as influenza or coronaviruses.

Approach: The three-pronged approach of PRET includes:

– Updating preparedness plans that affirm priority actions

– Increase connectivity among stakeholders in pandemic preparedness planning through systematic coordination and cooperation and dedicate sustained investments and

– Financing and monitoring of pandemic preparedness with a special focus on bridging the lacunes highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Significance of the initiative: The PRET Initiative ushers in a new era for pandemic preparedness and represents an evolution of WHO’s core activities to support all member states in strengthening health emergency preparedness, prevention, and response capacities and capabilities. 

– The initiative can also serve to operationalize the objectives and provisions of the Pandemic Accord, which is currently being negotiated by WHO Member States.