Guidelines documents strengthening public health preparedness and response in Central Asia

The 'Guidelines on the Public Health Management of Chemical Incident Response' focuses on preparedness for chemical incidents at mass gatherings. Chemical incidents, whether accidental or deliberate, can have catastrophic consequences, overwhelming health systems and emergency response units. These guidelines emphasise:

• Risk assessment and emergency planning for chemical threats.
• The crucial role of Poisons Information Centres (PICs) in managing chemical exposures.
• The need for cross-border collaboration and regional response mechanisms to address large-scale incidents.

Funded by the European Union, these Guidelines were supported by the EU CBRN CoE Project 87 - PRECA: Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia. The project is implemented within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence. 

Safe food practices are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can have severe health and economic consequences. The regional 'Guidelines on Food Safety at Mass Gatherings' outlines:

• Legal and regulatory frameworks for food businesses operating at mass gatherings.
• Risk assessment protocols and preventive measures to avoid contamination.
• Emergency response plans for managing foodborne illness outbreaks.
• Coordination mechanisms among event organizers, health authorities, and food suppliers to maintain hygiene standards.#

Funded by the European Union, these Guidelines were supported by the EU CBRN CoE Project 87 - PRECA: Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia. The project is implemented within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence. 

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental requirement at any mass gathering. The regional 'Guidelines on Drinking Water Safety for Mass Events' address:

• Water supply planning and risk assessment to ensure safe consumption.
• Contingency measures for emergency water supply disruptions.
• Sampling and monitoring protocols to detect contamination.
• Coordination among health agencies, local authorities, and event organizers to uphold water quality standards.

Funded by the European Union, these Guidelines were supported by the EU CBRN CoE Project 87 - PRECA: Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia. The project is implemented within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence. 

Published by the World Health Organization (WHO), this document serves as a key reference document for event organizers and public health authorities. The publication highlights:

• The importance of risk assessment and surveillance systems for early threat detection.
• Strategies for infection prevention and control to mitigate health risks.
• Guidelines for emergency preparedness and response planning.
• Best practices for ensuring effective coordination between health authorities and event management teams.