Bern (Switzerland), 21 June 2013
The ICAO European and North Atlantic Office supported and participated in the Third European Meeting of Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA-EUR/03) and the Fourth Global CAPSCA Coordination Meeting. One of the objectives of the meeting was to develop a clear understanding of the roles and involvement of all stakeholders, especially those from States and international organisations, public health and aviation sectors, as well as public and private organizations.
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Thanks to the kind invitation of Switzerland, the meeting was held in Bern from 18 – 21 June 2013.
The meeting participants discussed the CAPSCA project and activities at both Global and Regional levels, including the CAPSCA aims and objectives, key achievements, multi-sector collaboration between States and international organisations, CAPSCA assistance visits etc. It was noted again by the meeting participants that the overall objective of the project is to protect public health – general public, air travellers, and aviation personnel and support the sustainable development of civil aviation in the beneficiary of States, harmonize regulations and working practices to comply with the ICAO SARPs and WHO International Health Regulations (2005).
The CAPSCA project commenced in 2006 in order to assist States to implement public health-related amendments to the ICAO Annexes, which in turn are based on the WHO International Health Regulations (2005). It is currently operating in all regions (Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East). The project is managed by ICAO, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization, and additional partners include Airports Council International and the International Air Transport Association. Further information on CAPSCA can be obtained from www.CAPSCA.org and ICAO EUR/NAT website.
On 21 June 2013 the meeting participants could visit the Zurich International Airport and its facilities and infrastructure for entry screening, the triage centre for suspected dangerous communicable diseases.
The CAPSCA Project was fully supported by the meeting as it promotes cooperation between the States, international organisations and industry. As was particularly underlined by the meeting the capacity of CAPSCA network depends of the strength of the ties between its members and partners. Subjects to be maintained include tools for planning and coordination means to improve communication, partnership and multisectoral working and sustainable financing.
