What principle established in the 2007 National Strategy for Health and Preparedness emphasizes the need for collaboration across government levels?

The principle of vertical and horizontal coordination outlined in the 2007 National Strategy for Health and Preparedness highlights the necessity of collaborative efforts across all levels of government—federal, state, and local—as well as among various sectors. This approach underscores the importance of integrating strategies and resources to effectively prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

Vertical coordination refers to the collaboration between different levels of government, ensuring that policies and strategies are aligned and that there is effective communication upward and downward through governmental hierarchies. Horizontal coordination focuses on collaboration across different government agencies and organizations at the same level, enhancing interoperability and coordinated response efforts.

By emphasizing both vertical and horizontal coordination, the strategy ensures a comprehensive and unified approach to health preparedness that leverages all available resources and expertise, fostering a more robust public health infrastructure capable of responding to emergencies. This principle is vital for effective emergency management since isolated efforts may lead to gaps in response capabilities.