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who universal health and preparedness review ?

### Universal Health and Preparedness Review: An Overview

In a move to increase transparency, accountability, and capacity for health emergency preparedness, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR). This mechanism is conceived as a means to strengthen global health security and to ensure that countries are better prepared to handle future health crises. Here we’ll delve into the concept, background, and significance of the UHPR.

#### What is the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR)?

The UHPR is a Member States-led peer review mechanism with the broad goal of enhancing intergovernmental dialogue regarding each country’s health capacity and preparedness for health emergencies. The initiative aims to build trust among nations, encourage reciprocal support, and promote a whole-of-government approach to strengthen capacities for pandemic preparedness and universal health coverage (UHC). This innovative and collaborative approach is crucial in fostering a safer world prepared for health emergencies.

#### Genesis and Core Objectives

Proposed at the outset by the Central African Republic and Benin, the UHPR aligns with the vision of WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom to make global health mechanisms more effective and responsive to modern challenges. The core objectives of the UHPR are to:

– Identify gaps in public health capacity and preparedness.
– Encourage capacity-building activities that enhance a country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.
– Strengthen mutual accountability and promote collective responsibility among Member States.
– Drive the adoption of an integrated and coordinated approach to health and emergency preparedness.

#### Technical Advisory Group for UHPR

To guide the technical framework and the strategic direction of the UHPR, the WHO has established a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) composed of 21 global experts. The group’s responsibility is to provide expertise in shaping the methodology and assessment criteria that will serve as the foundation of the UHPR process. At the first meeting held on October 28 and 29, 2021, the TAG laid the groundwork for the creation of a methodology to assess national preparedness and share learnings across borders.

#### UHPR and the Quest for Better Governance

The concept of peer review is intrinsic to the UHPR. Member States would evaluate each other’s progress and shortcomings in health infrastructure and capacity. It is projected that the findings of each review will be acted upon at the highest political levels to facilitate swift improvement and implementation of action plans.

The emphasis is on transparency and mutual learning, where countries can benefit from exchanging best practices and lessons learned, potentially leading to a more robust and resilient global health architecture.

#### Key Benefits and Challenges

– **Benefits:**
– Enhanced collaboration and international cooperation.
– Greater transparency and accountability for health expenditures and outcomes.
– A focused approach towards closing existing gaps in health emergency preparedness.
– Standardized criteria and methodologies for assessment and capacity-building.

– **Challenges:**
– Ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the review process across different economic and health contexts.
– Maintaining high levels of engagement and political commitment from all Member States.
– Overcoming potential barriers to the free exchange of information and data sharing.

#### Moving Forward: Future and Implications

As of November 29, 2022, the UHPR has seen further development, with updates and guidelines being published to refine the review mechanisms and frameworks. The intention is clear: to establish a platform where all Member States can learn from one another and work collaboratively towards shared goals.

The UHPR is more than just a review; it’s a pathway to a more equitable and resilient health system. It seeks to lay the groundwork for a collective and cohesive response to the rising tide of health and emergency-related challenges in the future.

#### Conclusion

The unveiling of the UHPR marks an important phase in the evolution of global health governance. It beckons a shift towards greater interdependence and collaboration, laying the stage for a world that is better prepared to handle the unpredictable future of public health emergencies. As highlighted by Dr Pierre Somsé, Minister of Health and Population, such initiatives are key in transitioning health from being a national responsibility to a global partnership, where countries cooperate in safeguarding health as a core value shared by us all. Let’s eagerly anticipate the outcomes and the impact the UHPR will have as it proceeds beyond its conceptual phase and into practical application.

Explore in-depth details about the UHPR in the WHO’s downloadable publications, and stay updated on the latest developments by visiting the official WHO pages dedicated to the UHPR. The world’s health future might well depend on our collective commitment and success in making the UHPR a success.