SHARP Joint Action aims to strengthen preparedness in the EU against serious cross-border threats to health, and support the implementation of
International Health Regulations (2005).
About SHARP Joint Action
The SHARP Joint Action works to strengthen member’s existing capacities as well as supporting improvements in those countries where IHR capability gaps exist. By working together, the partners and the European Commission will ensure a safer environment for all EU citizens.
SHARP Joint Action (2019 – March 2023) is co-funded by the Health Programme of the European Union (80%) and by partners’ own contributions (20%).
SHARP is managed by DG SANTE and the EU Health and Digital Executive Agency – HaDEA (the latter replaced CHAFEA from April 2021).
SHARP Joint Action objectives
SHARP partners work collaboratively to identify and address gaps in the capacity to prevent, detect and respond to biological, chemical and environmental threats to human health.
To support the implementation of Decision No 1082/2013/EU legislation that provides a framework for dealing with serious cross-border threats to health at national, EU and regional level
-To strengthen the resilience and response capacities of health systems
-To ensure coherence and interoperability for preparedness and response planning to health threats
The SHARP JA priorities
- Strengthening the scientific evidence base on effective actions to prevent and respond to cross-border health threats of biological, chemical, environmental and unknown origin
- Exchanging of information and sharing of best practices within and among Member States; -Strengthening preparedness and the implementation of IHR core capacities, supporting Member States in developing standard operating procedures, business continuity plans, and promoting the interoperability of national preparedness planning
- Improving methods, tools and criteria for monitoring, assessment and reporting under Decision1082/2013/EU
- Improving EU Member State coordination as regards different global initiatives, particularly the WHO’s IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework under the Health Emergencies Programme
- Improving the core functions of public health laboratories, including biosafety and biosecurity to ensure systems for the safe referral of clinical specimens for early detection and monitoring of outbreaks, transport in-country and international shipment, which key capacities required under the IHR
- The coordination, in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), of a reference network of European microbiology laboratories specialised in highly pathogenic or newly emerging pathogens to improve laboratory capacity
SHARP deliverables
Take a look at SHARP’s externally published deliverables.
Twitter @SHARP_EU
SAVE-THE-DATE for SHARP Joint Action Final Conference!
SHARP JA’s Final Conference will take place in the summery Helsinki on… Read more SAVE-THE-DATE for SHARP Joint Action Final Conference!
International and multisectoral cooperation are critical for effective response to serious cross-border threats to health
EU member states have made efforts to encourage sectors other than health… Read more International and multisectoral cooperation are critical for effective response to serious cross-border threats to health
Inter-Sectoral Preparedness and Response Planning Essentials
A workshop on how to incorporate the latest thinking and resources on… Read more Inter-Sectoral Preparedness and Response Planning EssentialsSubscribe to SHARP newsletter
The content of this website represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
