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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

  1. Strengthening the scientific evidence base on effective actions to prevent and respond to cross-border health threats of biological, chemical, environmental and unknown origin
  2. 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
  3. Improving methods, tools and criteria for monitoring, assessment and reporting under Decision1082/2013/EU
  4. Improving EU Member State coordination as regards different global initiatives, particularly the WHO’s IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework under the Health Emergencies Programme
  5. 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
  6. 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.

SHARP Joint Action Final Conference on 19th and 20th June in Helsinki – register now!

19.05.2023
SHARP Joint Action is approaching its final stages as the project is… Read more SHARP Joint Action Final Conference on 19th and 20th June in Helsinki – register now!

Disaster Recovery Planning for public health professionals

11.05.2023
Belgrade, 23 and 24 May 2023 Day one 09:00 – 17:00 Day two 09:00… Read more Disaster Recovery Planning for public health professionals

Insights on intersectoral and multilateral collaboration for strengthened IHR health systems shared at the 17th World Congress on Public Health

11.05.2023
In May 2023, SHARP Joint Action partners were out in force at… Read more Insights on intersectoral and multilateral collaboration for strengthened IHR health systems shared at the 17th World Congress on Public Health

Subscribe to SHARP newsletter

Register to receive Newsletters and updates on issues related to preparedness from SHARP Joint Action.

By registering to our e-mailing list you will receive E-news bulletins from the EU SHARP Joint Action with the following information:

  • Sharing of key documents (guidelines, reports etc.) on IHR Preparedness
  • Updates of the progress of the EU SHARP Joint Action
  • Information about training courses organised within the scope of the EU SHARP Joint Action
  • Information about events organised within the scope of the EU SHARP Joint Action

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