Evidence decision-making policy practice in emerging pandemics and epidemics threats preparedness and response operations in Africa
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Date
2018-04-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Preprints (www.preprints.org)
Abstract
Quality evidence-based decisions and strategies are critical and valuable tools in strengthening
health systems policies, strategic priorities action plans and comprehensive care delivery
management. Our finding showed that there is scarcity of local/national and internal effective
evidence-based and management strategies for informed decision making based on the disease or
health epidemics nature, extend, ecological and geo-location of pandemics and epidemics crises
burden and impacts. Evidence-based programs or projects are crucial in evolving pandemics
and/or (Ebola, meningitis, Cholera and influenza) epidemics persistent morbidity and mortality/
case fatality reduction or prevention; as well as on poverty and inequity alleviation within the
vulnerable population and citizenry over time. This paper assesses implications of evidencebased on health systems surveillance and monitoring systems, preparedness and emergency
response gaps and needs in improving care delivery uptake and usefulness, coverage and
effectiveness in Africa. Furthermore, the article advocates for quality, access to and uptake of
knowledge-based policy-decision making and practice improvements in building efficient and
standardized surveillance, preparedness and response approaches. Also, in enriching data sharing
and inclusiveness through understanding the links between poverty, poor health and inequited
related emerging infectious diseases epidemics in Africa. Leveraging on cumulative lessons
learnt experiences and innovations in integrating participatory knowledge-based policies and
approaches is paramount in fostering vulnerable population awareness and engagement, skills
empowerment collaborative productivity and sustainable healthy solutions and measures.
Strengthening new partnerships, alliances, and networks requires collaborative and quality
evidence policy decisions, appropriate and reliable monitoring and evaluation systems
approaches and strategies in improving local preparedness and emergency response capabilities
against future emerging infectious diseases epidemics and fast-tracking poverty alleviation
knowledge-based livelihoods and health solutions for impact. Furthermore, integrated,
participative partnerships and collaborative responsibilities, cost effective and reliable evidence
health financing and budget allocation, and targeted capacity development aiming at reducing
and averting the burden of poverty related emerging threats and epidemics preparedness and
response programs in African countries.