Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

The European Union is moving forward with plans to create a stockpile of essential medical equipment and vaccines in preparation for future health crises. The initiative also includes the establishment of a dedicated network to streamline coordination between EU member states in times of emergency, Azernews reports.

This announcement was made by Haja Labib, the head of the Crisis Management Department at the European Commission, during a recent press conference.

"We still vividly remember the shortages of vaccines and protective masks that we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s clear that we need a long-term strategy to ensure the availability of essential goods required for society to function smoothly," Labib said.

As part of the EU's broader strategy for health preparedness, a priority list of medical products will be developed within Europe. This list will include vaccines, diagnostic tools, therapeutic products, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

"We know that some countries are stockpiling reserves of these materials, but there's no clear understanding of how much is held by each country. The first step will be to improve the exchange of information," Labib emphasized.

To support these efforts, Labib also outlined that by 2027, the EU plans to double its investments in the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program (HERA), raising funding to $234 million. This program will fund critical research and development projects to bolster Europe’s health infrastructure.

In an effort to strengthen its health monitoring capabilities, the EU will also introduce a European and global wastewater quality monitoring system. This system will enable the detection of disease outbreaks and the tracking of epidemic spread in real time. Samples will be collected at key European airports, providing valuable early warning data that could prevent the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to not only addressing immediate health challenges but also building resilience for future crises. By focusing on strategic stockpiling, improved coordination, and cutting-edge monitoring technologies, the EU aims to be better prepared for the health threats of tomorrow.

What’s particularly interesting about this plan is its emphasis on collaboration, both within the EU and globally. The exchange of data between nations could lead to faster responses, more efficient distribution of resources, and a greater overall capacity to manage health emergencies. As pandemics and health crises are likely to remain a significant global challenge, such initiatives could set a new standard for international health cooperation and crisis management.