Mandela University lecturers have participated in flood response training in Malawi, focusing on essential rescue skills. The training addresses Africa’s high drowning rates and equips participants to share their knowledge within their communities. This initiative strengthens the University’s commitment to disaster response education and fosters partnerships for future collaborations.
Mandela University lecturers have engaged in flood response training in Malawi, following an invitation through Rescue-SA’s partnerships. This specialized training program, led by UK-ISAR, aims to enhance rescue capabilities across Africa, particularly in light of past disasters like Cyclone Freddy in 2023.
The “Train-the-Trainer” initiative focuses on strategic and tactical responses to floods. It includes powerboat rescue skills, empowering participants to transfer this essential knowledge back to their institutions and communities to counteract rising drowning rates in Africa, caused by floods and inadequate rescue services.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa experiences the highest global drowning rates, with approximately 66,000 deaths yearly, predominantly in rural and flood-prone areas. Children under five years are at the greatest risk, facing dangers in rivers, dams, and pools, with climate change-induced floods worsening the situation.
Recent disasters like Cyclone Freddy have underscored the critical need for capable aquatic rescue teams in flood-affected areas. The recent training is set to benefit not only the University and the Department of Emergency Medical Care (EMC) but also the broader emergency response community where trained personnel are urgently needed.
Participants will incorporate the acquired practical and theoretical knowledge into the EMC curriculum, ensuring students receive cutting-edge training in aquatic and flood rescue techniques. This experience will also enhance the creation of simulation-based learning modules, providing students with opportunities to practice rescue scenarios effectively before graduation.
Furthermore, this program reinforces the University’s commitment to disaster response education and nurtures partnerships with organizations like UK-ISAR and Rescue-SA, paving the way for future collaborative training opportunities and projects within the region.
In summary, Mandela University lecturers have participated in essential flood response training in Malawi, contributing to disaster management efforts in Africa. This training addresses the high drowning rates linked to flooding, equipping participants with vital skills that will benefit their communities. The knowledge gained will enrich the Emergency Medical Care curriculum and foster future collaborations for improved disaster response education across the continent.
Original Source: news.mandela.ac.za
