Early Action Protocol (EAP) for Epidemics

Early Action Protocols (EAPs) are plans developed by National Societies that outline the anticipatory actions to be taken when a specific hazard, or an epidemic, is forecast and likely to impact communities. These protocols and early actions are based on a Forecast-based Financing (FbF) approach.

Developed by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, forecast-based actions make it possible to anticipate and act proactively following a disaster forecast rather than wait for the actual impact. The concept aims to take advantage of the window between a forecast event and its occurrence to implement early measures that help communities anticipate the hazard, protect lives and safeguard livelihoods.

Forecast-based actions combine meteorological forecasting or epidemic monitoring with risk analysis to anticipate and reduce the impact of disasters and/or epidemics, thus strengthening community resilience.

This initiative involves the development of a FbF prototype for cholera, leading to the establishment of an Early Action Protocol (EAP) by the Cameroon Red Cross, including defining anticipatory actions based on pre-established thresholds, indicators and triggers.

Presentation of the EAP for Cholera in Cameroon

Mathilde Duchemin, technical referent for Disaster Risk Management at the French Red Cross, explains the methodology and content of the report on EAP's development.

Mieux anticiper pour limiter l’impact du choléra au Cameroun | Croix-Rouge française

In collaboration with:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

510 Centre (Netherlands Red Cross)

School of Advanced Studies in Public Health, Rennes (EHESP)

Adaptability and relevance

The FbF approach, mainly used for natural hazards, is still being tested for epidemics. As part of the RIPOSTE programme, cholera outbreaks in Cameroon were selected due to the country’s humanitarian and epidemiological situation. Cameroon has experienced several cholera and epidemic disease outbreaks, including a wave in June 2020 that affected all regions with measles, cholera, poliomyelitis and COVID-19. Conflict and a fragile health system further complicate outbreak management and a national plan to eliminate cholera has been under development since 2023.

Available documents

Report on the development of the Cameroon Red Cross Early Action Protocol for cholera.