Work Packages
WP1 Coordination
Work package lead: Anna Katz and Outi Karvonen (project managers), Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, sharp@thl.fi
Co-Coordinators: INMI, RKI
WP2 Communication and dissemination
Work package lead: Public Health Wales – affiliated to DH/PHE Giri Shankar giri.shankar(at)wales.nhs.uk
Co-lead: THL
Work package lead: HCDCP(KEELPNO) Eleonora Hadjipaschali, e.chatzipaschali(at)keelpno.gr
WP4 Integration in National Policies and Sustainability
Work package lead: MOH-FR Coralie Giese, coralie.giese(at)sante.gouv.fr
Co-lead: RIVM
WP5 IHR core capacity strengthening and assessment
Work package lead: FOHM Anders Wallensten, anders.wallensten(at)folkhalsomyndigheten.se
Co-lead: HD
WP6 Preparedness and Response planning
Work package lead: RIVM Aura Timen, sharp(at)rivm.nl
Co-lead: Marion Koopmans and ISCIII (ES)
WP7 Laboratory preparedness and responsiveness
Work package lead: RKI Roland Grunow
Co-lead: INMI
WP8 Training and local exercises, exchange of working practices
Work package lead: IPHS Milena Vasic, milena_vasic(at)batut.org.rs
Co-lead: RKI
WP9 Chemical safety and chemical threats
Work package lead: DH Eirian Thomas, eirian.thomas(at)phe.gov.uk
Co-lead: NIJZ
WP10 Case management and infection prevention and control preparedness
Work package lead: INMI Antonino Di Caro, antonino.dicaro(at)inmi.it
WP 1 Coordination
Objectives
A well-coordinated Joint Action (SHARP) with functioning management, including timely reporting, budget control and support for successful implementation will be established.
Outputs & activities
SHARP involves 26 associated partners and 35 affiliated entities from 26 countries as well as 9 collaborating stakeholders. The SHARP actions are organized into five core work packages (WP 5, 6, 7, 9, 10).
The Coordinator ensures that the project work packages work together in order to gain the objectives of the Joint Action. The coordinator leads the project with the support of the steering committee, oversees the execution of the Work Packages and may take part in their execution, as appropriate. The coordinator will facilitate the building of country ownership together with the Work Package leaders.
Activities
- Kick-off meeting (M2)
- Two Partnership Forums (M12, M24)
- Seven Steering Committee meetings (M2, M7, M12, M18, M24, M30, M36)
- Four Advisory Board meetings (M2, M12, M24, M36)
- Interim report (M18)
- Thematic meeting on preparedness and IHR strengthening during Finnish EU Presidency (autumn 2019); to be organized together with WP2 (M7)
- Closing conference (M36)
- Final report (M36)
Tasks of the coordinator
- Monitor that the action is implemented properly;
- Act as the intermediary for all communications between the beneficiaries and the Agency, unless the MGA specifies otherwise;
- Request and review any documents or information required by the Agency and verify their completeness and correctness before passing them on to the Agency;
- Submit the deliverables and reports to the Agency;
- Ensure that all payments are made to the other beneficiaries without unjustified delay;
- Inform the Agency of the amounts paid to each beneficiary, when required in the MGA or requested by the Agency, or in the context of ex post
The management structure of the JA consists of THL Coordination Team, Steering Committee, Advisory Board and Partnership Forum. In addition, each WP has its own leadership and internal meetings/teleconferences.
Deliverables
- Interim report [M18] – Progress report for the first 18 months of the JA
- Final report [M36] – Final report of the action
Milestones
- Kick-off meeting
- Establishment of Steering Committee and Advisory Board
- Consortium agreement
- Partnership Forums
- Closing conference
Work package lead: THL
WP2 Communication and dissemination
Objectives
To achieve efficient and effective visibility, awareness and acceptance of the project to internal and external stakeholders.
Outputs & activities
A specific and appropriate communications and dissemination strategy ensuring visibility for, and awareness of, the project will be developed, implemented and evaluated. The outcome of this will mean greater awareness of the Joint Action and its benefits to the European population.
The communications WP aims to generate long term, sustainable benefits by increasing communications and dissemination capability and capacity across the work packages.
The intention is to leave a blueprint for effective programme communications for future Joint Actions in collaboration with WP4.
The Work package will address:
- Dissemination about the project, its events, reports and results
- Communication of key messages to relevant audiences, about the substance of the JA, including recommendations
Deliverables
- Leaflet to promote the action [M3]
- Website to inform about and promote the Joint action [M4]
- Layman report of the final report [M36]
- A blueprint of dissemination for future Joint Actions [M36]
- Final communication and dissemination report [M36]
Milestones
- Stakeholder analysis
- Communications plan
- Communication channel strategy
Work package lead: Public Health Wales – affiliated to DH/PHE
WP3 Evaluation of the action
Objectives
To perform a systematic and objective assessment of the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, economic and financial viability, as well as sustainability of the project in the context of its objectives.
Outputs & activities
The expected results of this Work Package are:
- An evaluation plan/strategy and interface developed to be used by all project partners
- Methods and tools for internal project progress monitoring, quality assurance indexing and internal evaluation procedures developed
- The project’s progress and timekeeping monitored
- Intermediate and final project results and outcomes evaluated
- Possible deficiencies in work packages’ tasks identified, as well as mitigation strategies proposed, so that deliverables meet set quality
Deliverables
- Evaluation plan [M3]
A developed and approved evaluation plan including objectives, methodology, indicators and time plan. The evaluation plan will be based on a baseline assessment.
- Midterm internal evaluation reports [M24]
The interim report will serve to fine tune and adjust activities and priorities in the second half of the JA. It will be a formative review of the progress, achieved up to that point, in relation to budget criteria, quality criteria, time and effectiveness criteria. The report will also provide recommendation for improvements in the second half of the project, where applicable. It will be drafted on the end of each year (M12, M24).
- Final internal evaluation report [M36]
Final evaluation report will include the comprehensive assessment to what extent the aims and objectives are met. It will be a summary review of all activities conducted. The report will examine the project’s achievements, vis-a-vis the original planning. The final report will include a tool that can be used to evaluate the project impact beyond its duration.
- Midterm external evaluation report [M24]
The external evaluators will draft in the middle of the project duration a report stating the progress so far.
- Final external evaluation report [M36]
The final findings of the impact assessment will be reported. It will depict the assessment of the project achievements in relation to the results planned, identify strengths and weaknesses as well as factors that have impeded the achievement of the planned objectives.
Milestones
- Planning meeting with WP leads
- Evaluation plan
- External evaluation mobilized
- Presentation of the internal evaluation results
Work package lead: HCDCP(KEELPNO)
WP4 Integration in National Policies and Sustainability
Objectives
The specific objective of this WP is to integrate best practices on IHR and preparedness in national policies and improve cooperation mechanisms between EU Member states.
Outputs & activities
The purpose of this WP is to build a sustainability plan, to ensure uptake and sustainability of the Joint Action outcomes from WP5 to WP10 at EU, national and/or regional level, and enabling to comply with the implementation of the IHR (2005) and relating Decision 1082/2013/EU. Activities include selection of best practices and the development of the SHARP sustainability plan.
Deliverables
- Sustainability guidance tool [M7]
Guidance tool to ensure that sustainability is taken into consideration by all WPs throughout the Joint action.
- Sustainability Report [M24]
Sustainability Report on SHARP sustainability strategy, that will include for each topic (i.e. each WP) priorities and concrete examples of integration into national plans and for regional organizations, including required training and communication strategies.
Milestones
- Workshop on guidance tool
- Workshop on best practices
- Approval of sustainability plan
Work package lead: MOH-FR
WP5 IHR core capacity strengthening and assessment
Objectives
Specific objective of this work package is to improve core capacity in EU Member States as required by IHR and Decision 1082/2013/ EU.
Outputs & activities
- Participating lower GNI countries who have not conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) supported to get prepared for an external assessment of their IHR Core Capacity, e. JEE or other agreed standardised external evaluation process; countries helped in the assessment of capacity for future development and sustainability of necessary core capacity as required by IHR and Decision 1082/2013/EU.
- Participating lower GNI that have conducted a JEE; assisted by addressing problem areas identified in the post JEE country
- Challenges in national and international collaboration between governments and national authorities identified, and measures elaborated for the operationalization of obligations related to response from health systems, cross-sectoral efforts and effective assistance between Member States when
- The usefulness of using information from national and international exercises and after-action reviews in assessing the state of public health preparedness in the EU. Evaluated within the work package, up to twelve selected lower GNI countries will be funded for participation in the planned workshops and teleconferences/webinars and for preparatory work in between. The activities will be divided into four main parts; the first part focusing on increasing knowledge about the evaluation process and best practice in preparation it, the second part focusing on post-evaluation follow up of joint identified weaknesses in core capacities, the third part focusing on cross country collaboration in emergencies, the fourth part on assessing the usefulness of including exercises and after action reviews in evaluations of
Deliverables
- Work plan [M5]
Work plan with selected challenges/gaps - Reports on improving IHR implementation [M36]
Reports on knowledge and practices and added value of external evaluation processes and facilitating strengthening of selected core capacities in the EU and neighboring countries
- Report on international collaboration between authorities during crises [M34]
Report on international collaboration between authorities during crises based on implementation of Task 5.2. - Report on the use exercises and AAR [M36]
Report on the use of exercises and AAR as part of monitoring for IHR (2005) core capacities and implementation of Decision 1082/2013/EU at the European level.
Milestones
- WP5 Workshop 1 and 2
- Table-top exercise
- WP5 Workshop 3 and 4
- WP5 Workshop 5 and 6
Work package lead: FOHM
WP6 Preparedness and Response planning
Objectives
The specific objective of WP6 is to support EU MS and JA partner countries in developing operational inter-sectoral preparedness and response plans for serious cross-border health threats with an integrated all hazards approach
Outputs & activities
- Development of an integrated multisectoral preparedness and response plan
- Scenario for “Disease X” developed, simulated and evaluated
- All hazard e-learnings and tabletop exercise protocols, using different methods for multisectoral collaboration developed, tested and evaluated
- Best practices guidelines, both general and tailor-made standards for all hazard integrated preparedness and response planning are provided to all participating countries. These are based on analysis of performances from “Disease X” scenario simulation and all hazards e-learnings and tabletop exercises, performed in
Deliverables
- Review of planning and evaluation tools [M18]
Review of integrated evidence-based planning and evaluation tools and for Preparedness and Response cycle
- Report on Disease X scenario [M33]
Report on “Disease X” scenario, including inventory progress and barriers for implementation in low GNI countries
Milestones
- “Disease X” scenario simulated
- All hazards e-learning tool launched
- WP6 workshops conducted
- Table-top exercises conducted
Work package lead: RIVM
WP7 Laboratory preparedness and responsiveness
Objectives
Strengthened laboratory preparedness and responsiveness to detect highly pathogenic infectious agents of Risk Group 3 (RG3) bacteria / Risk Group 4 (RG4) viruses with quality assured methods in laboratories of MS and SHARP JA partner countries, and evaluating new diagnostic approaches and improving biosafety procedures.
Specific objectives
- To ensure the application of best practices and quality assured methods in detection and analyses of highly pathogenic infectious agents in laboratories of SHARP JA partner
- To improve and consolidate the biorisk management in laboratories of SHARP JA partner countries dedicated to the diagnostics of highly pathogenic infectious
Outputs & activities
The work package will be structured in specific tasks with task leaders, task co-leaders, and working groups for specific sub-tasks. Special funding will be given to task leaders and co-leaders as well as designated working group leaders to carry out specific activities together with other partners, while basic funding will be given to all partners to cover essential activities like participation in meetings, shipment of samples for EQAE and the repository. Special attention will be given for partners from low GNI MS for their implementation in the various tasks of the WP.
Deliverables
- Report on assurance of high quality of diagnostic [M36]
Report on assurance of high quality of diagnostics for highly infectious pathogens applied in microbiological laboratories of participating SHARP JA countries by conducting annual EQAEs.
- Report on modern molecular diagnostic methods [M36]
Report on assessment of and recommendations for application of modern molecular diagnostic methods, including AST
- Recommendations for risk management [M34]
Recommendations for risk management and risk reduction in diagnostics of highly pathogenic agents.
Milestones
- Implementation of EQAEs
- Specific diagnostic tasks
- Programme for self-evaluation of laboratory biosecurity
Work package lead: RKI
WP8 Training and local exercises, exchange of working practices
Objectives
The specific objective of the WP8 is strengthening IHR implementation for serious cross-border health threats in the JA partner countries through cross-sectoral basic and advanced trainings.
Outputs & activities
Expected results:
- The level of IHR capacities to prevent, prepare, detect and respond to cross-border threats to health improved
- Practices related to IHR capacity building exchanged with the special emphasis to strengthening the capacities of countries with GNI less than 90% of EU average
Deliverables
- Report on training needs [M15]
Report on assessment of the cross-sectoral training needs across countries
- Final training report [M36]
Final report on all training provided in WP8, including the training packages and on-line platform
- Basic and advanced training curricula [M21]
Report on curricula developed for basic and advanced face-to-face and on-line training
Milestones
- Basic and advanced trainings conducted
- Online platform for training
- WP8 meetings
Work package lead: IPHS
WP9 Chemical safety and chemical threats
Objectives
The specific objective of WP9 is to improve implementation of IHR chemical core capacities, strengthening preparedness and response to cross-border chemical health threats within MSs and across the EU
Deliverables
- Fact-finding report [M12]
A report detailing the current state of play with regard to cross-border chemical health threat preparedness at the EU and MS level.
- Chemical laboratory response network – scoping report [M24]
A report outlining the desirability and the feasibility to set-up a European chemical laboratory network to respond to serious chemical health threats.
- Final report [36]
A report detailing of SOPs; summaries of reports (e.g. on surveillance and training materials); as well as approaches to ensure sustainability.
- Report on SOPs developed [M36]
Report on SOPs developed for participating countries
Milestones
- WP9 Joint meeting with partners and other WPs
- Stakeholder consultation
- WP9 Training and exercise materials
- Surveillance strategy report
- WP9 workshops
- Mechanisms for cross-border chemical health threat preparedness
- Training and exercises report
Work package lead: DH (PHE)
WP10 Case management and infection prevention and control preparedness
Objectives
The specific objective of this WP is to improve clinical and biorisk management, hospital preparedness and response to high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID).
Outputs & activities
WP10 activities will strengthen case management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Preparedness in participating countries. The WP contributes to the overall and comprehensive strengthening of the IHR though several activities coordinated and integrated with other WPs.
Deliverables
- Report on existing facilities [M33]
Report on the assessment of existing facilities, including mapping
- Feasibility study report [M18]
Report on feasibility study for an expert clinical support service for high-consequence infectious diseases
- Report on syndrome-based approach [M32]
Report on the implementation of a syndrome based clinical protocol
Milestones
- Protocol for assessment of facilities
- Data collection on hospital preparedness
- Protocol for WP10 feasibility study
- Protocols for syndrome-based approach
Work package lead: INMI