The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is an innovative approach developed by WHO to improve pandemic preparedness. It recognizes that the same systems, capacities, knowledge and tools can be leveraged and applied for groups of pathogens based on their mode of transmission (e.g. respiratory, vector-borne or foodborne).
PRET incorporates the latest tools and approaches for shared learning and collective action established during the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent public health emergencies. It places the principles of equity, inclusivity and coherence at the forefront and provides a platform for national, regional and global stakeholders to collaborate to strengthen preparedness.
The first PRET Module is focused on improving preparedness for pandemics caused by respiratory pathogens and was launched with a global call to action in April 2023. The PRET national workshop in Turkmenistan will bring together stakeholders to initiate the update of the national pandemic plan. It will provide an opportunity for multidisciplinary representatives from all relevant sectors to learn about the PRET initiative, examine multisectoral interdependencies in a pandemic response, and begin to draft the structure and content of the updated national pandemic plan.
It will convene a multisectoral working group, including representatives from all relevant sectors, to learn about the PRET initiative, examine multisectoral interdependencies in a pandemic response, and develop a clear strategy with timelines, responsibilities and milestones for the finalization and endorsement of the national pandemic preparedness plan. This will ultimately lead to an advanced draft of the national respiratory pandemic plan for government approval.