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Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 3: Time to act: Tackling epidemics and pandemics together (33IC/19/R3) – Government of Canada

Statutory Meetings / 33rd IC Resolution Report / 33rd International Conference / Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 3: Time to act: Tackling epidemics and pandemics together (33IC/19/R3) – Government of Canada

  1. Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

    Yes

    The commitments are incorporated into:
    Strategy
    Operational plan

    At the International, National level

    Explanation:

    • The majority of Global Affairs Canada’s humanitarian contributions in response to COVID-19 appeals from the UN and Red Cross were fully unearmarked, to provide maximum flexibility to meet rapidly evolving needs and situations. 
    • Canada also responded to needs resulting from the secondary impacts of the pandemic, such as interruptions to the food supply chain, through support to a range of humanitarian partners. In the face of the sudden closure of international borders and the grounding of international flights, for example, Canada supported the UN World Food Programme to establish an air service to transport humanitarian and health workers and deliver critical personal protective equipment to countries across the world. Further, support to UNICEF ensured the distribution of essential therapeutic food to help save children from starvation, while also helping local communities reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus among children and other vulnerable populations. 
    • Canada also supported the CRC to develop a program to enhance pandemic and epidemic preparedness in partnership with other national societies.  
    • At the domestic level, Canada cooperated with the CRC regarding the provision of medical stocks, expertise and personnel to respond to COVID. Canada also supported CRC’s Health in Emergencies strategy including epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.  

  2. Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

    Yes

    Partner with:
    National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in your country
    Humanitarian and development partners (e.g. UN, NGOs etc.)

    Examples of cooperation:

    • As noted above, the majority of the Canada’s humanitarian contributions in response to COVID-19 appeals from the UN and Red Cross were fully unearmarked. Post-pandemic, Canada continues to provide flexible funding to experienced humanitarian partners to deliver emergency health services to crisis-affected populations around the world. 
    • Canada also utilizes a variety of tools and mechanisms to respond to sudden onset health emergencies, including supporting the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE). The CFE enables WHO’s team in the field to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks and health emergencies, often in 24 hours or less.  Canada has provided over $11 million in support of WHO’s emergency response through its CFE since its inception in 2015. 
    • Canada supported the CRC in strengthening epidemic/pandemic preparedness and response through bilateral programming and IFRC programming, including the development of response plans and disease specific contingency plans.  

  3. Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

    No

  4. Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

    Yes

    Type of Impact:
    Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
    Programming and operations have become more effective and efficient
    Partnerships with other humanitarian actors have been created or enhanced

    Details about the impact:

    • Canada continues to provide flexible funding to experienced humanitarian partners to deliver emergency health services to crisis-affected populations throughout the world. 
    • Canada actively cooperates with the CRC to advance its partnerships related to epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.  
    • There is increased recognition of the importance of including epidemics as hazards in response and contingency plans.  

  5. Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

    No
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