During the second day of remarks and briefings on day two of the Tanzania Pandemic Disaster Response Exercise, remarks and briefings focused on helping participants understand the interdependencies between critical sectors and the need for each sector to prepare for a severe pandemic.

"Every time we have a disaster, our mechanisms for preparedness are tested. We have found out that we still lack the necessary and sufficient mechanisms for effective response," said William V. Lukuvi, Minister of State, Tanzania. "It is in this context that I find the organization of this exercise very timely," said Lukuvi.

Speakers from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock, the Tanzanian People's Defence Forces, the Superintendent of Police - Ministry of Home Affairs, Social Services, and the World Food Program addressed an audience of Tanzanian and U.S. government officials, and non-governmental organization representatives. The various speakers reminded the audience of the importance of technical training as it relates to international health regulations, population movement, vulnerable pandemics, and strategic communications.

"Tanzania has experienced disasters ranging from drought, floods, strong winds, technological hazards, accidents, and epidemics which of recent the incidents of this kind are increasing. Our capacity to respond to such incidents has obviously shown weaknesses in responding timely and in a coordinated manner. This has prompted us to seek and find appropriate ways of handling disasters in Tanzania," said Nyancheghe Nanai, assistant director of operations in the prime minister's office.

Throughout the day, the remarks of the invited speakers addressed the concern voiced by Nanai. Use of Tanzania's military and civil defense, a review of the country's critical infrastructure, and available resources in a pandemic emergency were reviewed and discussed while also assessing the challenges of logistics, and the need to protect first responders.

"The most important thing to remember in a pandemic disaster is the response must be a multi-sectoral effort. This is a situation where civil authorities, the military, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), international organizations, as well as other stake holders, all work toward a common goal…stabilization," said Lieutenant Colonel Eric Lanham, Program Officer, Humanitarian and Health Assistance Branch, U.S. Africa Command. "It's all about proper, timely, communication and cooperation," he said.

The tabletop exercise which begins tomorrow will challenge participants. They will take what they have learned in the two-days of briefings and discussions and apply it to the scenario they will be presented with.

"Ultimately this exercise will assist each participant in putting together a solid preparedness and response plan that applies to their portion of the whole of government response," said Lanham.

This exercise is led by AFRICOM through its Pandemic Response Program. The intent is to strengthen Tanzania's capacities to plan for and respond to a national and regional pandemic disaster.

PRP is funded by U.S. Agency for International Development. In Tanzania, it is implemented by AFRICOM.

See also: Tanzanian Government Pandemic Disaster Response Exercise Assembles in Tanzania