International Day Of Epidemic Preparedness 2022: History, Significance And Purpose Amid COVID-19

Washington: The world celebrates December 27 as International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2022. This day promotes the value of epidemic prevention, preparedness, and collaboration by encouraging all individuals, institutions, and governments to properly prepare their population in line with national contexts and priorities through educational and awareness-raising activities.

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2022: History

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was founded by a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 7, 2020. In China, a coronavirus outbreak first appeared in late 2019. Many areas of the city were quarantined as the rate of infection increased and the number of afflicted persons expanded. Despite the fact that word of the virus spread throughout the world, the authorities were unable to control the disease.

Also Read: “Wear Mask, Wash Hands…”: On Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi Urges People To Be Vigilant Amid Surge In COVID-19 Cases

The pandemic exposed the shortcomings in the healthcare systems of various nations when hospitals ran out of beds and ventilators. In reality, there was a moment when hand sanitisers and surgical masks were also out of stock. In light of this, on December 27, 2020, the first-ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was commemorated. The day was established by the UN General Assembly to highlight the need for preparedness, cooperation, and epidemic prevention. In light of COVID-19, it was decided that mechanisms were required to help prevent, identify, and respond to infectious disease epidemics.

Also Read: WHO Chief Raises Concern Over China’s Rising COVID-19 Cases, Requests Data On The Virus

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2022: Significance and purpose

Undoubtedly, the ongoing and still uncontrollable coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic served as the driving force behind picking a specific day to promote preparedness. The essential need for resilient and powerful health systems that can reach those who are weak or in vulnerable situations has been highlighted by the World Health Organization and other governments and leaders. More particular, extensive information exchange, scientific knowledge and best practices, high-quality education, and advocacy programmes are needed for successful actions to prevent and address epidemics at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

Numerous countries and regions observe this day in order to better prepare for the future and to improve their future reaction capabilities in addition to helping to control the COVID-19 epidemic. The day also gives countries from different continents a chance to unite and take decisive action against future outbreaks.

The pace of disease transmission has escalated due to globalisation. Therefore, it is essential to promote knowledge regarding immunisations and other safety measures. Conduct research, communicate, and teach others as these little actions can assist to curb the spread of disease.

Also Read: COVID-19 Has Shown The Importance Of Strengthening Epidemic Prevention To Avoid Global Health Crisis: WHO Chief

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diarrhoea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.