Stockpiles of Medical Countermeasures Used in Crisis: ZEPAI Participates in EU Stockpile Initiative

Stockpiles of Medical Countermeasures Used in Crisis: ZEPAI Participates in EU Stockpile Initiative

[Link] Participants at the kick-off event for JA Stockpile in Helsinki. Source: JA Stockpile/Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)

One task undertaken by ZEPAI in recent years as part of its mandate has been the operational coordination of logistics for COVID-19 and MPOX vaccines in Germany. As part of that task, ZEPAI staff have prepared process descriptions, carried out audits at logistics companies, and implemented a modern electronic management system (SAP/ERP system) in addition to its own database systems. ZEPAI participates in JA Stockpile with specific work packages focused on: identifying and quantifying inventories for medical countermeasures, the coordinated and multi-layered inventory system, sustainable inventory management, and the deployment and use of MCMs within and outside the European Union. For the last package listed, ZEPAI also assumes joint management for a test deployment of MCMs.

JA Stockpile - Background

JA Stockpile builds on the experience of past health emergencies and pursues the goal of developing a coordinated, multi-layered inventory system that will also be effective in the event of rare but particularly serious threats. The concept of stockpiling will be further developed not only in terms of the quantity and availability of supply stocks, but also in terms of sustainable inventory management, including the necessary components for the rapid deployment and immediate application of MCMs. The goal of this development is to ensure preparations for a particularly efficient use of medical countermeasures both within the EU and worldwide. The initiative also bolsters efficient cooperation between Member States and creates a sound basis for even more advanced MCM stockpiling initiatives in the future. This cooperation strengthens European independence, especially in crisis situations.

The objectives of the project fulfil the framework of the "European Health Union" and correspond with the "One Health" approach and the "EU Global Health Strategy". The initiative directly contributes to the practical implementation of the overarching EU stockpiling strategy and the specific MCM strategy. JA Stockpile is funded by the European Union under the EU4Health programme (2021-2027).