Encouraging the active participation of INFOSAN members continues to be a top priority for the Network. FAO and WHO have developed a work plan that focuses on:
1) the promotion of cross-sectoral collaboration and information sharing to optimize the response to foodborne health risks, including outbreaks; and
2) the development of countries' capacities to manage food safety (which includes the establishment and refinement of systems to monitor, assess and manage food safety incidents and emergencies).
The workplan includes three activity areas:
1) Emergency activities
- Management of international food safety events of international relevance through effective interaction with all relevant partners
2) National Capacity-building activities
- Publication of technical information/guidance documents to assist member states to manage food safety events
- Strengthening of links to other regional food safety networks to improve information exchange
- Simulation exercises to test emergency communication protocols
- Delivery of online webinars on various topics to strengthen the Network (by WHO, FAO and INFOSAN Members)
3) Communication
- Administration of the INFOSAN Community Website to facilitate information exchange and community development
- Convening of regional and/or global meetings of INFOSAN members
- Publication of quarterly activity summaries on the INFOSAN public website
- Publication of manuscripts related to INFOSAN in peer-reviewed journals
These activities are undertaken in consultation with the INFOSAN Advisory Group, and in line with the new INFOSAN strategic plan.