Fifty Emergency Responders Complete AVoHC-SURGE Training in Liberia
Fifty newly trained emergency responders in Liberia have completed an AVoHC-SURGE program aimed at enhancing the nation’s emergency response capabilities. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Liberian government and international organizations including WHO and Africa CDC. Participants acquired critical skills necessary for effective action during public health emergencies.
In Nimba, Liberia, fifty Liberian professionals have successfully completed a one-month training program under the AVoHC-SURGE initiative. This program, aimed at enhancing the country’s readiness for public health emergencies, is a collaborative effort led by the Liberian government with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government.
The AVoHC-SURGE training is integral to the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagships roadmap. Participants acquired essential skills in Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) management, humanitarian and health cluster coordination, prevention of gender-based violence, and operations of Rapid Response Teams (RRT).
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., now a member of the Liberia SURGE team, expressed his pride in joining the team, highlighting the military’s historical importance in public health emergencies. He asserted, “This comprehensive training ensures we are well-prepared to effectively respond as a unified force when emergencies arise.”
The program emphasized the critical need for timely mobilization of human resources in response to health emergencies, particularly within the first 48 hours. At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, the Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, noted the importance of this achievement, stating that it reflects a significant advance in Liberia’s public health preparedness.
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko from WHO commended the graduates for their commitment during the training and mentioned that they will now be part of the WHO roster for emergency deployments. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kowo assured stakeholders, “We are fully prepared to effectively respond to any outbreak in the country and the broader region.”
AVoHC refers to the Africa CDC’s initiative, and SURGE pertains to WHO’s initiative for strengthening and utilizing response groups for emergencies.
The successful completion of the AVoHC-SURGE training program by fifty emergency responders marks a significant advancement in Liberia’s public health preparedness. With support from international partners, this initiative strengthens local capabilities to effectively manage health crises. The commitment displayed by the graduates underscores Liberia’s readiness to respond to future public health challenges promptly and efficiently.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
