Outbreak Response Teams: A Solution or a Neo-Colonial Approach?

In recent years, various Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to assist Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in health emergencies. Despite the concerns raised about their sustainability and effectiveness of RRTs, there have also been cases of success and long-term sustainability, which have provided valuable insights and lessons for future health emergencies. Yet the elements needed to achieve the long-term sustainability of RRTs remain relatively unexplored. This session aims to explore the lessons learned from the deployment of various various RRTs during the COVID-19 pandemic and other human or animal disease outbreaks.

Moreover, the panelists will debate the question of whether sending RRTs to LMICs is necessary or appropriate, given the possibility of investing in local capacity building. In essence, this debate raises the issue of neo-colonialism in the international cooperation and global health landscape. The panelists will consider the question of whether in the long run, strengthening regional and national response mechanisms and capacities would be more sustainable and useful than sending international RRTs.