National Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Related to All-Hazards (HSEPRP) 2017-2019.

The Ministry of Health & Social Welfare in close partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and other Departments and Agencies, developed a Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (HSEPRP) that is comprehensive, risk-based and all-hazards in approach. This plan was born because currently there is no plan to effectively and adequately respond to emergencies. This Plan consists of five broad strategic objectives with related operational objectives, strategies, activities to reach the overall Goal: establishing health and nutrition emergency preparedness and response system that will contribute to the prevention and reduction of mortality, morbidity and disability arising from various hazards in The Gambia.
The Goal of this Plan is divided into Strategic Objectives as follows: Establish mechanisms for effective coordination, monitoring and evaluation of Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response activities; Strengthen early warning systems to detect, investigate, report, and respond to all emergencies; Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilisation support to vulnerable communities or populations; Institute prompt and effective identification, isolation and management of cases during emergencies; Create robust and reliable logistics system for emergency management established; establish a national disease surveillance network based on the One Health concept. The Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan 2017-2019 focuses on five strategic areas incorporating the essential components of EPR, namely: a) Coordination and Monitoring Mechanisms; b) Epidemiological and Laboratory Surveillance; c) Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation; d) Case Management; and e) Logistics and Safety.