Recommendation.
The Joint and Coalition Operational Analysis (JCOA) Division was directed in September 2014 to conduct
a study on DOD efforts to counter Ebola. As such, once operations began, researchers from JCOA spent
time with USAFRICOM and USARAF units as well as representatives of USG civilian agencies, observing
DOD activities, interviewing over 250 people, and reviewing over 500 documents. This lesson was based
on JCOA’s final report “Operation United Assistance: The DOD Response to Ebola in West Africa” (6
January 2016).
The following are recommendations for the Department of Defense concerning Roles and Responsibilities
from the JCOA Report (p. 59-60). See Appendix B: Detailed Recommendations for additional
information.
“Roles and Responsibilities
General [Pandemic Influenza and Infectious Disease] PI&ID Roles and Responsibilities
DOD should:
•
•
•
•
•
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Support USG efforts to work with international organizations, NGOs, partner nations, and other
stakeholders to clearly define roles and responsibilities during international crisis response, to
include infectious disease outbreaks
Support interagency clarification of roles and responsibilities integrating USG efforts for PI&ID
planning, execution, and authorities.
o Identify and address gaps and seams between international and domestic PI&ID planning,
execution, and authorities
o Support further development of integrated interagency PI&ID planning begun by
[Department of Health and Human Services] HHS
Advocate for a USG examination of disaster response procedures to determine what changes need
to be made to support a health-related crisis. Examination should include:
o The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Response Framework (NRF). As
applicable, incorporate elements of the NRF in planning for, responding to, and recovering
from a global health crisis
o Domestic and international USG responders’ interaction during a global health crisis.
Where possible, standardize procedures to mitigate potential disconnects
o A definition of emergency support functions and the core capabilities necessary for an
effective response
o An outline of emergency support function roles and responsibilities for whole-of-
community response (government, private sector, and academia) during a contagious
biological outbreak
Participate with strategic partners to establish a set of core capabilities needed for all phases of
contagious biological outbreaks
Participate in or facilitate interagency meetings to synchronize Global Health Security Agenda plans
and activities. Support Global Health Security Agenda initiatives in partner countries
Reevaluate the priorities for PI&ID planning and preparedness
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