Assessment of capacities using SEA Region benchmarks for emergency preparedness and response - Bangladesh

Abstract

The WHO South-East Asia Region Benchmarks for Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework with its standards and indicators, are used to assess the existing capacities of countries in emergency risk management with a focus in the public health area. Grouped into four categories (‎legal, community, capacity building, early warning)‎, the benchmarks provide a comprehensive view of emergency risk management in the area of health in the country. This summary report reflects at a glance the status of the country against the standards and indicators under corresponding benchmarks. Assessments are held in the national context with some adaptation and translation of the tools. This assessment in Bangladesh was led by WHO Country Office with the support of Emergency and Humanitarian Action unit of WHO's Regional Office for South East Asia in partnership with the Bangladesh Emergency Preparedness and Response (‎EPR)‎ Programme of the Directorate General of Health Services (‎DGHS)‎ with participation of other stakeholders such as national and international NGOs, medical college hospitals and civil society working in the relevant sectors. The identified gaps in the assessment become the key priority areas for WHO and Ministries of Health and partners to address.