The World Health Organization received considerable criticism for failing to respond promptly to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. To avoid making the same mistake again, WHO has launched a global emergency response plan to handle the spread of Zika virus infection and the birth defects thought to be associated with the tropical disease.
Here are five things to know about WHO's plan.
1. Five major focuses of the strategy include:
- Mobilizing and coordinating partners, experts and resources to help countries enhance surveillance of the Zika virus and disorders that could be linked to it
- Improve vector control
- Effectively communicate risks, guidance and protection measures
- Provide medical care to those affected
- Fast-track research and development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics
2. WHO estimates implementing the response plan will cost $56 million, including $25 million to fund the organization's response and $31 million to fund the work of key partners.
3. Until those funds have been raised, WHO has dipped into its recently established emergency contingency fund to finance the initial operations of the Zika plan.
4. As part of the emergency plan, WHO's headquarters initiated an incident management system to supervise the global response and work with experts from across the organization to address the Zika crisis.
5. Already, WHO has deployed members of its Regional Office for the Americas and partner specialists to Brazil and other affected countries to help local health ministries monitor the virus, curb its spread, counsel on clinical management of Zika and explore the surges in microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
To access WHO's full "Zika Strategic Response Framework & Joint Operations Plan," click here.
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