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The United Nations and USAID – along with other partners that include WFP, WHO, UNWTO , and the FAO – has joined together to create the Towards A Safer World (TASW) initiative, which seeks to `capture the lessons that were learned from preparing for an influenza pandemic, and inspire leaders to apply those lessons and best practices to continuing and emerging threats.’
Later this week (Sept 15 &16th) representatives of various governments, United Nations officials, along with representatives from civil society, the military and the private sector will all take part in a 2-day TASW conference on pandemic preparedness and approaches to disaster preparedness.
In conjunction with this meeting, TASW has released a 176-page book (available as a PDF download), with a forward by David Nabarro, that brings together the experiences of whole-society engagement in pandemic and disaster preparedness.
I’ve only just had time to glance at this publication, but wanted to pass along the information. The TASW has provided more details in a press statement released today.
Towards a Safer World Calls for Inclusive, Whole-of-Society Approach to Disaster Management
New book introduced today spotlights benefits of creating strong linkages between partners from different sectors for future disaster planning and response
ROME, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new book released today, government, military, civil society, and private sector leaders are challenged to help unify experiences and resources in order to successfully manage and mitigate the impact of future global disasters by learning from recent pandemic response efforts.
"Beyond Pandemics: A Whole-of-Society Approach to Disaster Preparedness" outlines the human, economic and societal benefit of increasing collaboration, planning and dialogue across the whole of society. This can include partners in travel, animal health, business, global health and civil-military response teams.
"Most authorities agree that the world is not ready for a severe influenza pandemic. The best way to prepare is to engage multiple sectors in order to ensure an effective and timely response," said UN Senior Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza and author, David Nabarro. "The countries that have done best involve many government departments, a broad range of businesses, and civil society in preparedness planning: their challenge, now, is to sustain this approach for all health-related crises through sustainable, holistic and adequately funded systems."
Nabarro continued, "To the best of my knowledge this is the first time that these multiple experiences have been brought together - and analyzed - in one document: it is sure to be useful to all involved in 'whole-of-society' crisis preparedness."
You’ll find more details on this initiative at the TASW website.
