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Preventing Emerging and Reemerging Infections in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Gaps, challenges and priorities
Rawan Araj;
Sultan Alqasrawi;
Sahar Samy;
Ghaya Alwahdanee;
Jamal Wadi;
Jawad Mofleh;
Tareq Sanouri
ABSTRACT
Background:
The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) supported by the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), contributed significantly to strengthening preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infections in the region.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine gaps, challenges and priorities for preventing emerging and reemerging infections with a focus on biosafety and biosecurity in four countries of the region, namely Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Morocco.
Methods:
Two different methods were used to determine gaps and priorities for preventing emerging and reemerging infections. The first method was a rapid assessment for preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infections in four countries of the region, with a focus on biosafety and biosecurity. The second method was face to face meeting of the participating teams in two days roundtable where all country teams presented their country profiles, findings, priorities and gaps based on the country assessment.
Results:
The assessment and meeting resulted in several priorities and recommendations for each of the countries.
Conclusions:
Many recommendations were relatively consistent throughout, they included improving communication or building collaborations to improve the overall health of the country.