Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET)
The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is an innovative approach to improving disease pandemic preparedness. It recognizes that the same systems, capacities, knowledge, and tools can be leveraged and applied for groups of pathogens based on their mode of transmission (respiratory, vector-borne, foodborne etc.). PRET incorporates the latest tools and approaches for shared learning and collective action established during the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent public health emergencies. It places the principles of equity, inclusivity, and coherence at the forefront. PRET provides a platform for national, regional and global stakeholders to collaborate to strengthen preparedness. Technical resource packs, a PRET network and an online community of practice (HIVE) are coming soon.
PRET builds on the current momentum to strengthen the global architecture for health security (prevention, preparedness, response and resilience). In accordance with resolutions WHA58.5, WHA74.7 and WHA 75.7, it operationalizes the vision of a more equitable and robust response to future disease pandemics. Drawing upon lessons from previous events and identified gaps and opportunities, PRET helps stakeholders to converge resources and ensure that there is:
- clarity on implementation priorities as established by country authorities, and in line with regional and global mandates;
- increased opportunity for collaboration; and
- common and systematic roll-out of resources that facilitates cross-country and cross-stakeholder actions.
Respiratory Pathogens Partners Engagement Forum (R-PEF)
To strengthen networking for respiratory pathogen preparedness planning, WHO convenes an informal coordination forum, the Respiratory Pathogens Partners Engagement Forum (R-PEF). The R-PEF enables WHO and partners to exchange information on planned activities, lessons learnt, gaps and needs, reviews, and other developments relating to pandemic preparedness for respiratory pathogens. More information on the R-PEF is available on the Terms of Reference.
Useful information
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Respiratory Pathogens Global Community of Practice—a space to share resources, engage in discussion, and view upcoming events related to respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.
The two-step registration process is as follows:
- Click here to register for Hive, or click the attached image and scan the QR code.
- Once your registration is accepted, you will receive an email from [email protected]. Click on the unique link to finalize your onboarding process on the Hive platform.
Since the launch of the PRET initiative and the delivery of a high-level global call to action, 124 Member States across six WHO regions have implemented PRET workshops and simulation exercises.
By the end of 2024, more than 130 countries have plans to implement similar PRET activities.
Applying learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States have started updating their plans for future respiratory pathogen pandemics. WHO has set global targets for Member States to develop or update their respiratory pathogen pandemic plans.
At the end of 2023, 8 Member States had finalized their plans, with many others starting the process.
The Global Meeting for Future Respiratory Pathogen Pandemics attended by over 120 multisector, multilevel stakeholders on 24-26 April 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland delivered a high-level Call to Action on PRET.
The Call to Action aimed at creating an enabling environment for implementation and collaboration to accelerate preparedness for pandemics and emerging threats globally. (click on the image to download PDF)
Publications
Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats Module 1: Planning for respiratory pathogen pandemics
Through technical consultations with countries and partners, WHO has led the development of Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats Module 1:...
Learnings from COVID-19 for future respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness: a summary of the literature
A scoping literature review of learnings from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was commissioned by WHO to inform operational priorities...
This checklist is an operational tool to help national authorities develop or revise national respiratory pathogen (inclusive of influenza and...
To better understand the extent of health system and essential health service disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has conducted four rounds...
Strengthening pandemic preparedness planning for respiratory pathogens: policy brief, 27 April 2022
This policy brief outlines core elements that Member States are encouraged to a) develop an integrated approach to respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness...
Regional PRET activities
All six WHO regions have initiated PRET activities to support countries in updating pandemic plans. This section will be populated with relevant recordings, workshop summaries, and other resources as they become available.
Case studies
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