Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority
Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) is a European Commission health service created to prepare the EU for a future pandemic and to avoid the mistakes made during the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][2][3] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first announced plans for such an agency in 2020.[1] On September 15, 2021, the EU announced the launch of HERA[2] and the agency is expected to be fully operational in early 2022.[1][3]
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 15, 2021 |
| Jurisdiction | European Union |
HERA will assess potential health threats, promote research, ensure the availability of critical production and help build stockpiles. During a health crisis, the agency would activate emergency funding and help coordinate monitoring, acquisition and purchase of medical equipment or treatments.[3]
References
- Casert, Raf (2021-09-16). "EU earmarks 30 billion euros for health crisis agency". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
- Peltier, Elian; Pronczuk, Monika (2021-09-15). "The E.U. adopts a new strategy to counter future pandemics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
- "EU launches health crisis body to prepare for future pandemic". Reuters. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2021-09-17.