Materials created in the context of SHARP joint action
What is SHARP?
SHARP Joint Action (2019 – 2023) was a collaborative action of 26 countries and 61 partners. The joint action was co-funded by the Health Programme of the European Union (80%) and by partners’ own contributions (20%). By working together, the partners and the European Commission ensured a safer environment for all EU citizens. The SHARP Joint Action worked to strengthen member’s existing capacities as well as supporting improvement in those countries where IHR capability gaps existed.
SHARP started its actions in June 2019, coordinated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland; and co-coordinated by Robert Koch Institute, Germany; and National Institute of Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, Italy.
Special efforts were made to fill gaps that have been identified in priority countries:
- those with the biggest gaps in the capacity required for full IHR capability
- In line with the exceptional utility criteria; member states whose gross national income (GNI) per inhabitant is less
than 90% of the Union average
Through the Joint Action, the member and partner states and the Union’s common ability to prevent, detect and respond to biological outbreaks, chemical contamination and environmental and unknown threats to human health will be strengthened.
SHARP Joint Action (SHARP JA) aims to strengthen:
- The implementation of Decision 1082/2013/EU, supporting the Member and Partner States’ capacity to handle health threats.
- The implementation of International Health Regulations (2005) and preparedness in EU Member States to increase the capacity on high level protection of health and security.
- The resilience and response capacities of health systems by ensuring coherence and interoperability for preparedness and response planning.