Fifty emergency responders in Liberia finished a one-month AVoHC-SURGE training program aimed at strengthening the country’s public health response. This initiative, supported by WHO, Africa CDC, and the Canadian government, focused on critical emergency management skills. The graduates are now prepared for emergency deployments and effective humanitarian response.
In Nimba, Liberia, fifty newly trained emergency responders have completed a month-long AVoHC-SURGE training program aimed at enhancing the nation’s capacity for public health emergency response. This initiative, led by the Liberian government with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and the Canadian government, seeks to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
The AVoHC-SURGE training, part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagships roadmap, provided participants with essential skills in Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) management, humanitarian coordination, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, and Rapid Response Team (RRT) operations. This education emphasizes operational effectiveness during the first critical hours of a health crisis.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., a member of the new SURGE team, expressed his honor in joining and working alongside committed colleagues, noting the military’s vital role in responding to public health emergencies, including past outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, acknowledged the training’s significance in Liberia’s public health preparedness, reflecting on past challenges such as Ebola and COVID-19 that necessitated this program.
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko from WHO commended the graduates for their dedication and highlighted their enrollment in the WHO roster for potential emergency deployments. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kowo reiterated the commitment to effectively respond to outbreaks, reinforcing the readiness of Liberia’s health workforce.
The completion of the AVoHC-SURGE training program marks a significant advancement in Liberia’s capability to manage public health emergencies. With a focus on essential skills and rapid response strategies, the newly trained responders stand prepared to tackle future health crises. The support from international organizations emphasizes the collaborative effort necessary for effective emergency response in the region.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
