Nimba, Liberia – Fifty Liberian professionals have efficiently accomplished a one-month AVoHC-SURGE coaching program designed to strengthen the nation’s capability to answer public well being emergencies. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Liberian authorities with assist from the World Well being Group (WHO), Africa Centres for Illness Management and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian authorities, goals to bolster the nation’s capability to answer public well being emergencies.
The AVoHC-SURGE coaching, a key element of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagships roadmap, outfitted members with essential expertise in areas akin to Public Well being Emergency Working Middle (PHEOC) administration, Humanitarian and Well being Cluster Coordination, Gender-Based mostly Violence (GBV) prevention and response, Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH) in emergencies and Fast Response Crew (RRT) operations.
“I’m honored to be a part of the SURGE Crew and deeply proud to serve alongside colleagues who’re devoted to serving individuals throughout the continent,” mentioned Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., Assistant Chief of Workers for Well being Providers for the Armed Forces of Liberia Well being Providers who’s now a part of the Liberia SURGE crew. “The army has a protracted historical past of taking part in a essential position in public well being emergencies, as demonstrated by our responses to Ebola, COVID-19, and the present pox outbreak. This complete coaching ensures we’re well-prepared to successfully reply as a unified pressure when emergencies come up.” He added.
This intensive program targeted on enhancing members’ means to successfully mobilize human sources and reply to humanitarian crises and well being emergencies inside the essential first 48 hours.
On the commencement ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Providers, emphasised the importance of this milestone, stating, “This cohort represents a vital step ahead in our preparedness efforts. Liberia has confronted quite a few public well being challenges, together with Ebola and COVID-19, underscoring the pressing want for this very important coaching.”
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko, representing WHO, thanked the members for his or her dedication and dedication all through the intensive coaching program. She highlighted that the graduates at the moment are a part of the WHO roster and could also be known as upon for emergency deployments inside Liberia and different nations needing help.
“I wish to thank Liberia’s authorities, WHO, Africa CDC, and Canadian authorities and guarantee them that the numerous efforts invested on this coaching won’t be in useless. We’re totally ready to successfully reply to any outbreak within the nation and the broader area,” mentioned Lieutenant Colonel Dr Joseph B.N Kowo, representing the graduating SURGE cohort.
AVoHC is a reference to Africa CDC’s initiative “Africa CDC’s African Volunteer Well being Corps initiative.” SURGE is a reference to WHO’s initiative, “Strengthening & Using Response Teams for Emergencies.