Techne: Research and innovation
INITIATE
In June 2021, the World Food Program (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched INITIATE, a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening health emergency readiness and response capabilities. This initiative unites Ministries of Health, emergency response actors, research institutions, and academia to develop innovative and standardized solutions and the related training in support of readiness and response capabilities in health emergencies. INITIATE is based on two interconnected workstreams: technical innovation, for the design and development of standardized technical solutions; and training and simulation, for the development of standardized procedures and response capacity.
Epidemics of infectious diseases are occurring more often and spreading faster and farther than ever in many different regions of the world. The background factors of this threat are biological, environmental and lifestyle changes, among others. A potentially fatal combination of newly discovered diseases, and the re-emergence of many long-established ones, demands urgent responses in all countries. Planning and preparation for epidemic prevention and control are essential.
The design of infectious diseases treatment centres for health emergency response improved considerably in the last few years. Centres evolved from pure isolation units to patient-focused treatment centres designed to enhance quality of medical care, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), patient comfort and community acceptance. However, the construction of such a centre may require several weeks and the first phases of an emergency are still handled with simple infrastructure, which does not allow for the provision of the most advanced level of medical care available.
INITIATE² will look at how to provide the most advanced level of medical care available at the outset of an outbreak of an infectious disease by:
- providing a rapid deployable, easily transportable, extendable, self-contained and self-sufficient treatment centre for infectious diseases that can be used as a standalone solution, but which can also integrate sustainably into on-site health services;
- reducing the time needed to open an infectious disease treatment centre in order to enhance the first containment phase and reduce possible outbreaks spreading; and
- ensuring standardization across emergency actors in order to offer to patients the same quality of care, comfort and IPC standards.
With 25 initial members, INITIATE² prioritized creating the Infectious Diseases Treatment Module (IDTM)—a rapidly deployable, modular, reusable, and environmentally sustainable facility. Supported by the WHO-Techne and after rigorous testing, the IDTM was successfully deployed in Accra during a five-day, full-scale simulation exercise. The module establishes a functional two- or four-bed treatment unit, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Health Emergency Facility (HEF)
An Innovative Solution for Epidemic Prevention
The World Health Organization, in collaboration with UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and with support from WHO-Techne, developed the Health Emergency Facility (HEF) – a rapidly deployable and customizable solution designed to screen, isolate, and provide essential care during disease outbreaks. This innovative facility aims to curb the spread of deadly epidemics while safeguarding vulnerable children and families. The project was launched in 2020 with a bold vision: to establish a universal, family-friendly facility for rapid, safe outbreak response. Since then, the team has developed a comprehensive package of innovative facility designs that enhance visibility from staff to patient areas and promote a welcoming presence within communities. Key advancements include an optimized digital planning tool, family-friendly HEF guidance and new family and patient-friendly products, such as the patient liner for high-performance tents that are now available within all participating organizations. Additionally, besides the essential items and infrastructure required to establish a treatment center, the online tool provides standardized layouts for a 12, 24, or 36 beds facility.
The Challenge
Healthcare systems worldwide face increasing strain during sudden crises, particularly in regions where resources are already stretched thin.
Epidemics such as Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19 have highlighted the devastating impact on children and families, exacerbating vulnerabilities in fragile health systems. The rapid escalation of infectious disease outbreaks underscores the urgent need for solutions that can be deployed swiftly to provide critical services and prevent the spread of deadly diseases.
The Response
To address this growing need, UNICEF, WHO, and MSF have developed the Health Emergency Facility (HEF), a family-friendly, rapidly deployable health solution.
- Customizable Digital Planning Tool
Emergency programme teams can configure facilities from pre-designed layouts tailored to specific disease outbreaks. The HEF tool generates procurement lists, ensuring all necessary components – from infrastructure to innovative products – can be sourced seamlessly through WHO, UNICEF, and MSF supply catalogues. - Family-Friendly Design
Facilities prioritize the needs of children and families, with layouts ensuring safe case management, visibility between patient and staff areas, and a welcoming presence in communities. - Comprehensive Package of Products and Equipment
The HEF includes cutting-edge tools like high-performance tent liners and products tailored for emergency response, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness during deployment.
Preparing for the Future
The Health Emergency Facility is more than a solution – it’s a commitment to global health resilience. With the support of UNICEF, WHO, MSF, and the WHO-Techne, these facilities are ready to revolutionize outbreak responses, saving lives and ensuring a safer future for all.