How prepared were we?
In this video, we explore some key approaches to assessing epidemic preparedness and consider how prepared we thought we were to face a threat like COVID-19. We look specifically at the Global Health Security (GHS) Index and the recommendations made last year to boost epidemic preparedness, as well as the limitations of the GHS Index in really understanding national readiness capacities in relation to COVID-19. We then look at the most frequently made recommendations from Joint External Evaluations (JEEs) which assess country capacity to respond to public health risks. We give particular focus to the Democratic Republic of Congo as one example.
After watching this video, please consider two aspects.Firstly, while it may be expensive to invest in epidemic preparedness, what may be the trade-offs of not doing so?Secondly, how aligned do you think epidemic preparedness and severity of the actual outbreak may be? Is it possible that the reality of the response could be quite different to what the preparedness ratings would suggest and if so, why?
We will return to these questions later on this week.
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