Enhancing Global Health Security: US Africa Command's Disaster Preparedness Program

Area of Science:

• Global Health Security
• International Relations
• Disaster Management

Background:

• The US Africa Command's Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) aimed to enhance stability and security in Africa.
• The program focused on improving disaster management capabilities through collaboration with African Partner Nations (PNs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact and outcomes of the Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) implemented by US Africa Command.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building efforts in disaster preparedness and response among African Partner Nations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted disaster preparedness and response programming with 17 Partner Nations from 2008 to 2015.
• Engaged with civil and military authorities through workshops, strategic planning, plan development, and tabletop exercises.
• Prioritized capability gaps and facilitated data collection for capacity building.

Main Results:

• Developed numerous national and military pandemic and disaster response plans across 17 PNs.
• Conducted 20 national exercises and trained nearly 800 individuals.
• Played a key role in Ebola response plan implementation and established disaster management agencies.

Conclusions:

• DPP significantly enhanced African Partner Nations' crisis preparedness and response capabilities.
• Fostered international agency relationships and improved civil-military coordination through capacity building.
• Contributed to regional stability and security through improved disaster management.