PREPARE

PREPARE is an acronym for the Platform for European Preparedness Against (Re-)emerging Epidemics, a significant initiative by the European Union aimed at bolstering readiness and response to epidemics. The initiative is coordinated by Professor Herman Goossens of the University of Antwerp. PREPARE was activated on December 31, 2019, in direct response to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), marking a critical moment in the global health community's efforts to combat the pandemic. As of February 2020, PREPARE had escalated its operations to outbreak response mode 2 (mobilisation), which is the second of three predefined response modes, indicating a heightened state of readiness and action.

Pronunciation

Pree-pair

Etymology

PREPARE is an acronym that succinctly encapsulates the mission of the platform: to ensure that the European Union is adequately prepared to deal with current and future epidemics through a coordinated and rapid response mechanism.

Background

The establishment of PREPARE underscores the European Union's commitment to enhancing its collective capacity to predict, prevent, and manage epidemic threats. By mobilizing resources, research, and expertise, PREPARE aims to minimize the impact of epidemics on European populations and healthcare systems.

Response Modes

PREPARE operates under a framework of three outbreak response modes, designed to scale the EU's response to the severity of an epidemic threat:

• Mode 1: Preparedness (baseline)
• Mode 2: Mobilisation (activated in response to a specific threat)
• Mode 3: Emergency response (highest level of response)

The activation of Mode 2 in response to COVID-19 reflects the platform's agility and the seriousness with which the EU approached the emerging threat.

Role of Herman Goossens

As the coordinator of PREPARE, Professor Herman Goossens plays a pivotal role in guiding the initiative's strategic direction and operational activities. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring effective collaboration among member states, research institutions, and healthcare professionals across Europe.

Impact of COVID-19 Activation

The activation of PREPARE in response to COVID-19 demonstrates the platform's critical role in the EU's epidemic response infrastructure. Through coordination of research efforts, dissemination of best practices, and mobilization of resources, PREPARE has contributed to the European and global response to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of preparedness and collaboration in addressing public health crises.

Related Terms

• Epidemic
• European Union
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Public Health
• Epidemic Preparedness

See Also

• Global Health Security
• Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• Healthcare System Preparedness

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on PREPARE
• Wikipedia's article - PREPARE

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