Canada, US, and Mexico Launch Pandemic Preparedness Initiative

On October 23, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Public Safety Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, announced the release of the North American Preparedness for Animal and Human Pandemics Initiative (NAPAHPI). This initiative involves Canada, the United States, and Mexico working together to enhance regional health security. The initiative aims to address public health threats by providing a framework for collaboration among the three countries.

NAPAHPI is designed to build on commitments made during the 2021 and 2023 North American Leaders' Summits. It seeks to strengthen the region's ability to respond to health threats by focusing on several key areas, including animal diseases with zoonotic potential, epidemiological surveillance, medical countermeasures, and public health measures. Other areas of focus include medical supply chains, health systems, risk communications, border health measures, critical infrastructure, and sustainable financing.

The initiative replaces previous plans from 2007 and 2012 and builds on lessons learned from past public health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is led by a Senior Coordinating Body and a Health Security Working Group, with participation from various sectors, including human health, animal health, agriculture, security, and foreign affairs. The principal agencies involved include the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Public Safety Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, along with their counterparts in the United States and Mexico.