Steem Cameroon Contest-International Epidemic Preparedness Day

International Epidemic Preparedness Day: 27 December

Question: What is Inteiomnal Epidemic Preparedness Day?

This year, it is the 18th time when the International Epidemic Preparedness Day takes place on December 27 to educate people in the need for preparedness for an infectious disease outbreak and epidemics. Today is also the World Ebola day and it is exactly forty years today since the viruswas first discovered in 1976 in Nzara, South Sudan and in Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Question: Why is this day important?

The day plays a huge role in creating awareness regarding preparation and response measures to epidemics. As the world’s population grows at a faster rate, residing in overcrowded regions, polluted environment, or changing climate bring diseases closer to everyone. Early detection and intervention would save many lives and lots of money for business.

Question: What should be done to get ready for waves and outbreaks?

There are several ways in which communities and governments can prepare for epidemics:

1. Strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure: Preparing hospitals, clinics, laboratories to respond to outbreaks and continue delivering when an outbreak is detected.
2. Surveillance and early detection: So there can be early testing of any epidemic or new diseases that might be circulating in the community, while reassuring that nothing systematic is going on.
3. Stockpiling medical supplies: Possessing a stock of affordable and quality essential medicines and vaccines together with efficient functional medical equipment.
4. Training and public awareness: To raise the health care workers and general public awareness on prevention and control of infection.
5. Emergency response plans: Creation and constant revision of contingency plans on outbreak management, paying attention to international cooperation between government, NGOs and business.

Question: What new elements have happened in this day for your community?

The International Epidemic Preparedness Day has in some way contributed to raising awareness and promote populations readiness to prevent epidemics. Governments round the world have enhanced their ability in handling outbreaks and the public health agencies have enhanced their surveillance. Other stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations and private sector partners have also empowered preparedness related activities.

Question: The following organizations and associations are the active promoters of International Epidemic Preparedness Day.

World Health Organization WHO CDC and most of the national health departments supports IEPD International Epidemic Preparedness Day. Those involved offer materials, organize presentations, give information in discussions, and in the social networks in order to raise awareness of people and make them join.

Question: What more can be done in order to get greater impact in your community?

There are several ways to increase the impact of International Epidemic Preparedness Day:

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1. National campaigns: In order to prevent the spread of diseases and increase the overall level of endemic, governments can organize public campaigns based on the necessity to follow specific guidelines in terms of epidemic readiness and prevention performed by every citizen.
2. Community involvement: To increase dissemination and organization in programed preparation efforts, we convene leaders and representatives of communities, schools, and non profit religious institutions.
3. Public-private partnerships: Coordinating with other private entities in devising some new alternatives and monetizing readiness programs.
4. Global cooperation: The globalisation has heightened call for enhanced collaboration to enhance sharing of data and come up with improved standards in preparedness for epidemic episodes as well as increased financial commitment towards epidemic preparedness for and response.

Question: Suggested mascot of International Epidemic Preparedness Day and a brief description of it.

As a symbol of International Epidemic Preparedness Day, we have developed a mascot, Vigilante the Viral Warrior. Vigilante is an illustrated geo-green cartoon, avec a cape and a shield designed with a microbes motif. The mascot is symbolizing the fight everyone needs to overcome epidemics and protect our society. Vigilante therefore, aids in enhancing the issue of epidemic preparedness through promotion of the use of promotional materials and events that are got attention of all age groups.

Question: How can Vigilante the Viral Warrior mascot further encourage members of communities?

Vigilante the Viral Warrior can make a significant impact on communities through various activities:

1. Social media campaigns: Creating awareness to issues such as preparedness, hygiene practices and different general health-related information on social media.
2. Educational programs: Educating the school going and other community members on some basics when it comes to preventing infections and the need to take vaccines.
3. Public events: Targeted at one on one outreach through giving out flyers on epidemic alertness at community events, fairs, and parades.

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1. Partnerships with public health agencies: Again in conjunction with the government agencies, helping them to include Vigilante’s messages and products in the course of their operations.

Conclusion

International Epidemic Preparedness Day is very important in enhancing awareness and supporting preparedness for infectious diseases. Now that we are still confronted with unending change and transformation in the society, it is high time that we collaborate towards building and sustaining epidemic preparedness capacity. For example, this promotes a some kind of international cooperation, as well as utilizing an ‘original’ approach such as Vigilante the Viral Warrior, people around the world will be therefore better protected against these dangerous infections.

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