Context

Regardless of their origin (natural, accidental or deliberate), CBRN incidents share similar features, requiring similar prevention, detection and response measures. Diverse stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies/offices, prehospital emergency medical care, hospital emergency medical care and laboratories, play a critical role in preventing and rapidly responding to hazards of this kind. Consequently, each country requires sound and collaborative CBRN multi-hazard medical emergency preparedness and response plans (strategic and operational) and associated capabilities.

The revised version of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) requires World Health Organization (WHO) Member States to develop and strengthen CBRN multi-hazard emergency preparedness and response capabilities, including at points of entry (PoE). Between 2016 and 2019, WHO Joint External Evaluation (JEE) missions evaluated these (among other) capabilities in all 10 SEA PCs, who demonstrated weak capacity for responding to CBRN health emergencies, including at PoE, based on relevant JEE indicators. 

Overall objective

To increase effectiveness of CBRN risk mitigation and security governance mainly through the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative.

Specific objectives

To strengthen CBRN medical emergency preparedness and response in PCs in South East Asia in order to minimize health consequences following CBRN incidents, crises and events.

Activities

1. Analyse existing CBRN medical emergency preparedness and response capabilities in PCs and carry out studies (literature reviews, interviews, etc.) to clarify precisely where value can be added within the scope of the project;
2. Organise missions in agreement with NFPs and in coordination with the RS-SEA;
3. Implement cacpacity-building activities dedicated to strengthening national and regional preparedness to CBRN medical emergencies.

Achievements

Project to start in 2023. (Dates indicated on the right table are tentative)