Another important milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).   We have coordinated and financed the delivery of 122,300 mpox vaccine doses donated by Belgium, Germany, and Portugal from their national stockpiles.   This first shipment, expected to arrive today, is part of a broader initiative that includes over 580,000 mpox vaccines offered by the European Union and its Member States to support several affected countries in Africa. Nearly half of these doses have already been procured by the EU.   Further shipments from other EU Member States are planned for the coming weeks.   Follow the link in the comments section below to learn more. ↓   #Mpox #TeamEurope

The European Union stands in full solidarity with Spain. After Spain requested emergency assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, several countries offered their support. The first teams and equipment from France and Portugal, including waste management machinery and specialised vehicles, are on their way to assist operations in the affected areas. In addition, an EU liaison officer will be on the ground, helping to coordinate incoming assistance. Our Emergency Response Coordination Centre remains in contact with Spanish authorities to channel further assistance as needed. Find out more in the link in the comments section below. ↓ #EUSolidarity

The European Commission Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (#HERA) have participated in the World Bio Summit 2024 in Incheon, South Korea, where we have been part of the panel discussion on “Robust, resilient, and responsive supply chains". This year’s theme, "Triad of future investments for a healthy and secure decade," resonates with our commitment to building a robust preparedness and response ecosystem for global health. We have explored innovative strategies for strengthening health security, focusing on efficient supply chains and effective responses to health risks. 💡 The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are vital as we work to enhance our collective preparedness for future health challenges. #WBS2024 #globalhealth

Today the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (#HERA) convened the #CriticalMedicinesAlliance (CMA) working groups to tackle urgent medicine shortages in the #EU. Here’s why this meeting is crucial: ▶ Inclusive stakeholder engagement: the #CMA brings together policymakers, manufacturers, and other key players to collaboratively address supply chain challenges. ▶ Targeted action priorities: we focus on vulnerable medicines, ensuring impactful interventions where they are most needed. ▶ Transparent dialogue: our platform empowers decision-makers with essential insights to navigate the complex medicine supply landscape. ▶ Action Plan Highlights: - Secure EU and national funding for manufacturing. - Forge partnerships with third countries to enhance supply chains. - Establish market incentives and joint procurement strategies. 📅 Next steps: the Alliance will publish its first set of recommendations by February 2025. We're building a more resilient healthcare system to ensure access to essential medicines for all 🤝 #CriticalMedicinesAlliance #MedicationShortages

Today a pivotal gathering at the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU featured European Commission Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (#HERA)’s Director General, Laurent Muschel, alongside key industry and policy stakeholders. This high-level panel discussion addressed a critical question for our times:   🔵 How can the #EU support national industry to address global crises and support a ‘Preparedness Union’?   Key insights emerged, highlighting the importance of collaborative innovation, regulatory support, and integrated health policies in preparing for vector-borne diseases. As we look to the future, discussions centered on the need for cohesive policies and investments to ensure Europe's robust response to health challenges.   🔵 The occasion coincided with the landmark approval of IXCHIQ®, the world's first Chikungunya vaccine, highlighting the European biotech industry's potential to rise to the challenge of health crises amid a rapidly changing global environment.    We remain committed to promoting a more resilient future, where EU and national industries collaboratively address the ever-changing global health challenges. #healthpreparedness #HealthUnion #TeamEurope

As part of our ongoing Copernicus activation in the region of Valencia (Spain), we have a plane and crew ready at Alicante Airport. Once conditions improve, they will fly over 1200 square kilometers to take highly detailed photos at 20 centimeters resolution. These images will then be verified and processed to correct camera angles and align them with Earth's terrain, helping us understand the extent of the floods and their impact. This was one of the last #CopernicusEmergency activations we started in October. See some other projects we worked on last month ↓

On 26 December 2004 at 07:59 local time, an undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. About 20 minutes later, the deadly tsunami reached the coastline of Indonesia's Aceh Province. Waves up to 30 metres high, over 230,000 lives lost, and 2 million people left homeless.⁣ ⁣ The Indian Ocean Tsunami brought unimaginable destruction across 14 countries, and prompted a massive international emergency response.⁣ ⁣ The European Union was among those who quickly stepped in, providing essential aid and relief to affected communities.⁣ ⁣ On today's World Tsunami Day, we remember this tragedy that reshaped global disaster preparedness efforts. Since then, the EU has continued to invest in helping vulnerable communities around the world better prepare for and respond to disasters.⁣ #WorldTsunamiDay #PreparednessSavesLives 📷 © 1, 5, 6 - IOM, 2 - UN OCHA (photographer: Robert Turnerp⁣), 3 - WFP (photographer: Rein Skullerud)⁣, 4 - European Union (photographer: Aftab Alam).

Meet Arlynn, our colleague from the EU Humanitarian Aid office in the Philippines. She's currently on the ground, assessing humanitarian needs in areas hit by typhoon Trami - locally knows as Kristine. The EU has approved €1.5 million in humanitarian aid to help provide assistance to the most affected communities, including people who have lost their homes and remain displaced. #KristinePH #EUHumanitarianAid

"My deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones in the devastating flash floods in eastern Spain. On request for emergency mapping, we have activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. We stand ready to help further." - EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. #EUSolidarity

In September, Rwanda declared its first-ever Marburg disease outbreak. Centered mainly in the capital, Kigali, the outbreak had led to 64 confirmed cases and 15 deaths by 25 October 2024. An estimated 1.75 million people are at potential risk. New EU humanitarian funding will support Rwanda in addressing this health emergency through: 😷 Strengthening coordination and surveillance 👩⚕️ Managing new cases and training healthcare workers 💊 Providing essential medical supplies The project, to be implemented by the World Health Organization and ALIMA, is set to run for six months. Find out more: https://europa.eu/!KPYmDW #MarburgDisease Archive image for illustration purposes only | © European Union, 2020