October - December 2024
October-December 2024
WHO and partners respond to recent tropical storms, typhoons and cyclones in the Western Pacific
In early September 2024, Typhoon Yagi impacted several countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, leaving a trail of destruction with its intense rainfall and powerful winds, subsequent flooding and landslides. In the Philippines, the powerful typhoon was even followed by other typhoons, placing considerable pressure on local communities and the Government’s capacity to respond effectively.
In response to the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yagi, WHO leveraged its convening power to coordinate response efforts among ministries of health, government agencies and international partners in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Philippines and Viet Nam. This included assessing health risks and needs in hard-hit areas, developing and implementing joint response plans with other UN agencies, supporting access to safe drinking water to prevent diarrhoeal diseases, facilitating the delivery of public safety messages and working towards minimizing disruptions in health service delivery.
Vanuatu responds to multiple health challenges following 7.3 magnitude earthquake
On 17 December 2024, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, impacting more than a quarter of the country’s population. The disaster caused significant damage to homes, health facilities, and other infrastructure, leaving communities in this South Pacific Island nation without adequate food, water, and sanitation.
Amidst the devastation, Vanuatu has shown remarkable resilience. Health facilities in and around Port Vila were operational soon after the earthquake, ensuring continued access to care. Decentralized outpatient services have eased the pressure on the main hospital, Vila Central Hospital, allowing it to focus on more complex and urgent cases. Vanuatu’s health leaders, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provided lifesaving services in the minutes, hours and days after the earthquake, continuing work to care for those in need. The response is also supported by a network of partners like WHO, who have supported assessments of damaged health facilities, coordinated deployment of international emergency medical teams (EMTs), and shared life-saving information in local languages.
Simulation exercise helps Western Pacific countries prepare for future outbreaks
If a new arbovirus outbreak were to emerge in the Western Pacific, how would countries verify, report and share information? From 13 to 14 November 2024, 36 countries and areas in the Region addressed this critical question during IHR Exercise Crystal, a simulation exercise designed to test their communication capacities as outlined in the International Health Regulations (2005), or IHR. Since 2008, IHR Exercise Crystal has been conducted annually in the Western Pacific Region. In this exercise, IHR national focal points and contact points respond in real time to incoming information about a simulated public health event. The exercise tests their ability to verify and share information, assess risks to public health, coordinate with other sectors and communicate with WHO. Through this exercise, countries advanced their capacities in several key areas: multisectoral coordination, timely communication and IHR risk assessment.
Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) across the Western Pacific convene at the Global EMT meeting Abu Dhabi
Over 100 EMT representatives from 21 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region participated in the 6th EMT Global Meeting, held from 5-7 November in the United Arab Emirates, to review progress towards EMT 2030 strategic objectives, to reflect on experiences and learning, and to set regional priorities for the coming years through a regional action plan. Some of the priorities identified by Western Pacific EMTs include: development of strategies to integrate EMTs within national disaster response frameworks; streamlining processes for validation of national EMTs; EMT water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) innovations in diverse contexts; strengthening interoperability and opportunities for collaboration; advancing specialized care teams in the Region; and addressing climate change-related challenges.
"At the EMT Global Meeting 2024, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) shared how it has remotely provided information management support to Gaza for over a year. Through cross-learning and collaboration, we can transcend geographical boundaries and respond as one global community." — Ryusuke Yamachika, JICA, Japan
"As an action point from regional discussions at the Global EMT Meeting, Papua New Guinea (PNG) will prioritize the development of localized training programs that align with the EMT 2030 Strategy to ensure that our team members are well-prepared for both local and international deployments." — Dr. Garry Nou, EMT National Team Lead, PNG
Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) partners in the Western Pacific Region identify priority actions to strengthen emergency workforce
In November 2024, thirty-three GOARN partners from 12 countries in the Western Pacific gathered in Tokyo, Japan for a two-day meeting focused on enhancing regional outbreak preparedness, response capacities, and overall health security. Hosted by the National Centre of Global Medicine and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, the meeting fostered collaboration and identified key priorities for 2025 in the Region.
The GOARN Partners Meeting for the WHO Western Pacific Region served as a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and strategic planning, aimed at enhancing the capacity to prepare for and respond to outbreaks and health emergencies. During the meeting, partners outlined several priorities to further strengthen national emergency workforce capacities in the Region. These included adapting GOARN’s training program to meet country-specific needs, expanding the pool of trained trainers to deliver these programs across the Region, and promoting the use of the GOARN deployment mechanism when international expertise is required. These initiatives are crucial in strengthening the Region's preparedness and response capabilities.
International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) Global Partners Forum co-hosted by the WHO Regional Offices for South-East Asia and the Western Pacific
The second International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) Global Partners Forum (GPF) took place on 21 and 22 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, and was co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asian and Western Pacific Regional Offices and the Centre for Pathogen Genomics at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne. The event provided a platform for public health practitioners, academics, policy makers and financial institutions to build partnerships, introduce innovations and socialize new ideas. In addition, the first round of grantees of the IPSN Catalytic Grant Fund were announced during the first day of the event. Funding was awarded to ten grantees from organizations in low- and middle-income across all six WHO regions to drive impact in pathogen genomic surveillance.
Combating antimicrobial resistance in the Pacific
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating problem that undermines the effectiveness of medicines used to treat infections. In the Pacific, the stakes are high, with potential loss of lives and substantial economic impacts. Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) are taking steps to address AMR, with the support of WHO and international partners. From improving surveillance and laboratory capacities to promoting a One Health approach, read more about the multifaceted strategies being implemented to safeguard public health.
Pacific health ministers commit to strengthening health emergency preparedness and response as a key priority for the Pacific region
The Pacific Islands Multi-country Cooperation Strategy 2024-2029 (MCCS) was launched in October. The MCCS sets out a collaborative and strategic path forward to address interwoven health challenges and promote multisectoral action. Strengthening resilience to health emergencies is one of the three priorities towards a healthier and more equitable Pacific region.
Strengthening the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) in the Asia-Pacific Region
WHO co-organized an INFOSAN meeting from 28-29 November in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea. The meeting aimed to strengthen the INFOSAN network at national and regional levels, promote collaboration among members, enhance coordination during food safety events, and identify opportunities for joint activities and projects. INFOSAN members also participated in a simulation exercise designed to build national emergency response capacities and facilitate information exchange and multi-sectoral coordination.
Country updates
Cambodia: Lessons learned from a food poisoning outbreak
A recent food poisoning outbreak in Samaki Market, Kampot Province — one of the many traditional food markets in Cambodia — led to two deaths and 45 hospitalizations. In response to the outbreak, WHO provided technical support on surveillance, guidance on establishing an Incident Management System and support to activate the Emergency Operation Center. WHO also supported Kampong Thom's Provincial Administration to launch a community-based risk communication campaign to reduce transmission.
China: Enhancing capacities for early detection of public health events
Early detection of public health events constitutes a critical component of efficient outbreak management. Epidemic Intelligence from Open Source (EIOS) is a vital tool that enables early detection and assessment of public health threats, in near real time. In partnership with China CDC, WHO facilitated a joint EIOS training for 30 surveillance experts in China to strengthen their capacities in early detection and assessment using the EIOS platform.
In addition, eight senior surveillance officers and heads of surveillance from other countries in the regions — Brunei Darussalam, China, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and Samoa — participated in a Public Health Intelligence workshop. The training focused on event-based surveillance, related tools and the importance of collaborating across other health sectors. Both workshops took place between 25 - 27 November 2024 in Beijing China.
Reflecting on the value of this capacity building, Ms Rosalei Tenari, Principal Disease Surveillance Officer, Samoa Ministry of Health shared: "the joint training introduced us to the various public health intelligence tools that we have at our disposal. It also enabled us to share knowledge and expertise — facilitating cross-learning in our Region."
Fiji: WHO and USAID support Fiji experts to improve health emergency preparedness
With support from USAID, The Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services and WHO held a multisectoral workshop to exercise procedures drafted in Fiji’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Handbook. Fiji is in the process of improving multisectoral coordination for health events and the PHEOC serves as a hub of coordination for the preparedness and response to health threats. The workshop brought together Fiji’s emergency responders including the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, National Disaster Management Office, Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Environmental Health, Fiji’s Emergency Medical Team (FEMAT) and other emergency health actors for a simulation exercise detailing how health will work with other actors in an emergency. Fiji aims to have a fully functional PHEOC to effectively and efficiently coordinate response to health events to save lives and prevent illness.
Lao PDR: Data-driven rabies control and protection
Rabies, a preventable yet fatal zoonotic disease, has been a longstanding public health risk in Lao PDR. For many years the country has faced cases, with children disproportionately affected. In Lao PDR, major barriers to effective rabies control have been the limited access to post-exposure rabies vaccination, a lack of understanding about the disease, and more critically, the lack of a reliable and comprehensive data. This limits the ability to accurately assess the location and severity of rabies, respond accordingly, and save lives.
Rabies deaths are preventable with rapid post-exposure rabies vaccination, preventing the virus from reaching the central nervous system – however – this requires fast access to the vaccine, and the vaccine being available when needed. To address this rabies data gap, a WHO Lao PDR and Ministry of Health pilot project, with support from the Australian Government, was launched in Xayaboury Province – a location with a number of reported rabies cases. The project aimed to establish a rabies reporting system from the community level, essential for rabies detection and prevention.
Malaysia: National Bridging Workshop
From 13 to 15 November 2024, WHO facilitated a National Bridging Workshop in Malaysia, in partnership with the Government of Malaysia, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Over 100 participants from key national institutions for One Health attended the workshop and contributed to the development of a National One Health Joint Plan of Action. Participants discussed the role of veterinary services in implementing IHR (2005) and identified actions to strengthen collaboration and coordination between relevant sectors.
Pacific Islands: Collaborative efforts against health misinformation in the Pacific
In our interconnected world, fake news and misinformation can quickly influence health behaviors and decisions, posing serious risks. The Pacific region has taken significant steps to combat health misinformation, learning from the COVID-19 pandemic and building robust systems to monitor and manage false information. With the support of WHO and other partners, Pacific Island countries are enhancing their capacity to address misinformation through social listening, fact-checking, and collaborative efforts across sectors.
Philippines: Advancing health security capacities through the completion of Joint External Evaluation (JEE)
Driven by the goal to further develop and generate systems in advancing strong and resilient health security, the Philippines, through the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with WHO, remarkably completed the second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) on the 29th of November 2024.The JEE provides a structured framework to support countries in assessing, enhancing, and advancing national capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
The Philippines’ second JEE was led by health security experts Dr. Gina Samaan, WHO Regional Emergency Director for the Western Pacific, and Dr. Jeffery Cutter, an independent expert from Singapore. The evaluation was enriched by contributions from experts representing diverse countries and institutions, including Singapore, Jamaica, New Zealand, Tonga, China, and Japan, working alongside Philippine national experts. This collaborative approach brought varied perspectives and technical expertise to the process.
The Philippines is one of 21 countries in the Western Pacific that have conducted a JEE since the process was introduced in 2016. Notably, it is one of only three countries in the region to have completed a second JEE, demonstrating its dedication to advancing health security preparedness and response capacities.
Samoa: Health emergency preparedness and response planning ensured a healthy outcome for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Samoa successfully hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 21 to 25 October 2024 – the first Pacific Island to host such a gathering. Months of preparation by the CHOGM Task Force ensured the health and security of thousands of delegates from 56 Commonwealth member countries who attended this meeting. Samoa's Ministry of Health (MOH), responsible for CHOGM’s medical and public health emergency response, embarked on extensive and meticulous preparations months in advance, building upon lessons learned from the 2019 measles outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic response. This resulted in an effective public health response before, during and after CHOGM, which secured the health of visiting delegates, Samoans, and other visitors.
The WHO supported the MOH surveillance team to assess and identify all potential local and imported risks and to develop a surveillance and response plan to mitigate them. WHO also trained the MOH’s surveillance, rapid response, clinical, public health and port health teams using virtual and in-person training modalities. Simulation exercises were also conducted to identify and respond to potential risks, particularly measles, dengue, COVID-19, mpox, food poisoning, and natural disasters.
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal
The Western Pacific Surveillance and Response (WPSAR) journal is pleased to announce the publication of its fourth issue of 2024, Volume 15 Issue 4.
Lessons learned from conducting a serological survey for Japanese encephalitis after detecting the first cases in New South Wales, Australia, 2022
Incorporating One Health into a front-line field epidemiological training programme in Papua New Guinea: lessons learned
Active case finding to detect symptomatic and subclinical pulmonary tuberculosis disease: implementation of computer-aided detection for chest radiography in Viet Nam
Implementation of maternal death audits and changes in maternal health care in Cambodia, 2010–2017
Investigating suspected gastrointestinal anthrax: a case-control study in Cayapa village, Abra province, Philippines, March 2017
WPSAR is an open access, peer-reviewed journal housed in WPRO/WHE that serves as an information-sharing platform, publishing articles on health security activities for public health emergencies and events in the Region. Our contributors include WPRO and CO staff and consultants, as well as MOH/DOH staff, health-care practitioners and field epidemiologists from across the Region.
If you have an idea for an article, please feel free to consult us by emailing wpsar@who.int.