To improve their health security capacities, countries need adequate and timely information about the existing gaps in their health systems and preparedness. This can be done through the WHO Joint External Evaluation (JEE), the OIE PVS Pathway or another external assessment.
In February 2016, WHO adopted the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool to support countries in this endeavor. Joint External Evaluation is a voluntary process initiated at the request of the country. The systematic, multisectoral evaluation of the IHR technical areas helps countries to identify the most urgent needs within national health systems, prioritize efforts and enhanced preparedness, response and action, and engage current and prospective donors and partners in targeting resources in the most effective way.
A JEE is a process that consists of a national self-assessment and an external evaluation team with experts from all relevant sectors such as human and animal health, food safety, agriculture, defense and public safety. The JEE Secretariat of the WHO Emergency Programme schedules, coordinates, and organizes the JEEs, working across and in collaboration with all levels of the organization as well as FAO, OIE, and other partners in countries.
Since February 2016, 96 JEEs have been conducted in six regions (as of 24 May 2019), with 21 JEEs scheduled. In addition, many countries have expressed interest towards completing the process. The JEE mission reports are published on WHO website.
Six external assessments were conducted under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) in 2015.
The OIE Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway is designed to evaluate country’s ability to meet OIE international standards as well as provide a continuous process aimed at maintaining sustainable, long term strengthening of animal health systems. By December 2017, 384 PVS Pathway missions have been conducted.