Preparedness

• CBW Working Group
• Rome meeting
• Training module

National preparedness and response plans

Given the emotive force of even an alleged threat of a biological release, preparedness plans can reassure the public and reduce panic should genuine threats or hoaxes occur.

Public health surveillance for emerging diseases and preparedness for intentionally-caused outbreaks and intoxication are closely related. Effective preparedness for emergence of epidemic diseases or deliberately caused outbreaks both require improving the sensitivity of national and international public health surveillance as well as improving coordination and communication between the medical and public health sectors, and other sectors such as civil defence, animal health, the military and the law-enforcement community at all levels.

In order to better cover activities and share experiences and information, it involves different departments of the CBW Working Group.

A summary of WHO's response to the threat of deliberate use of biological and chemical agents to cause harm can be found in the Weekly Epidemiological Record.