Preparedness and Response Project Semi-Annual Report: October 1, 2014 - April 30, 2015

The project commenced on October 1, 2014, and the first semi-annual report covers the period from October 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015. The project is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is implemented by DAI. Initial activities focused on Ebola preparedness training through regional workshops in Ghana and Cameroon, and the development of an interactive Ebola Webinar. The webinar aimed to provide USAID and invited USG partners in non-affected countries with the information needed to assist governments in Ebola preparedness and to ensure a timely and effective response, if needed. The webinar was delivered twice to USAID staff in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Washington, DC, to 21 total participants. The project also commenced three global initiatives, including the Extractive Industry Program, the African Livestock Futures Model, and the International One Health Conference. The Extractive Industry Program aimed to continue the Extractive Industry Risk Assessment and Management (IDRAM) initiative begun under the PREVENT project. The project engaged Chatham House in negotiations to continue their IDRAM initiative and funded Chatham House participation at the 3rd International One Health Conference in Amsterdam in March. The African Livestock Futures Model is a collaborative effort between P&R, PREDICT2, and FAO to develop a model building off the work of the FAO African Livestock Futures Report (Herrero, 2014). The model will be used to show the possible effects of changing animal populations on emerging pandemic threats and on public and animal health. It will also examine various policy or program strategies that might be undertaken to mitigate the risks and effects of a zoonotic pandemic. The project management team designed and implemented the Technical Assistance Management Information System (TAMIS) which serves as the central mechanism for tracking and recording financial and project management actions. The team also conducted negotiations for sub-awards to Chatham House for the Extractive Industry work and AFENET for regional support for One Health Platforms and National Preparedness and Response Plans. The project staff has undergone significant changes during the reporting period, with the hiring of several new personnel, including Dr. Sambe Duale as Senior Public Health Specialist, Dr. Baba Soumare and Dr. Serge Nzietchueng as Africa Regional Director and Deputy Director, respectively, Mr. Robert Salerno, Public Health Specialist, and Ms. Shereene Simon, Capacity Building Specialist. The project management team has also designed and implemented the Technical Assistance Management Information System (TAMIS) to track and record financial and project management actions. The project has made significant progress in its first six months, with a focus on Ebola preparedness and response, the Extractive Industry Program, and the African Livestock Futures Model. The project has also undergone significant changes in its staffing, with the hiring of several new personnel. The project management team has designed and implemented the Technical Assistance Management Information System (TAMIS) to track and record financial and project management actions.