Big news from Liberia! Fifty dedicated professionals have just completed an intense training program, and they’re now geared up to become the country’s first line of defense against health emergencies. This isn’t just any training; it’s a collaborative effort to boost Liberia’s ability to handle crises.
- 50 Liberian professionals completed a one-month AVoHC-SURGE training.
- Training focused on rapid response and public health emergencies.
- Collaborative effort by the Liberian government, WHO, Africa CDC, and the Canadian government.
- Graduates are part of a WHO roster for deployments in Liberia and other countries.
- Training covered crucial areas like PHEOC management, humanitarian coordination, and GBV prevention.
Liberia’s New Emergency Response Team is Here
These 50 individuals have just wrapped up a rigorous one-month AVoHC-SURGE training program. What does that mean? It means Liberia now has a more robust team ready to jump into action when public health emergencies strike. The training, a joint project by the Liberian government, the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government, is all about making sure Liberia is ready for anything.
What Did They Learn?
This wasn’t just a casual workshop. The training was a deep dive into critical areas, focusing on:
- Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) management: How to run the nerve center during a crisis.
- Humanitarian and Health Cluster Coordination: Making sure everyone’s on the same page during a response.
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response: Protecting vulnerable populations.
- Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH): Ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
- Rapid Response Team (RRT) operations: Getting boots on the ground quickly and effectively.
Military Muscle in Public Health
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., from the Armed Forces of Liberia Health Services, highlighted the military’s critical role in health emergencies. He noted that their past involvement in crises like Ebola and COVID-19 proves they’re up for the challenge. This training ensures they’re even better prepared to act as a unified force.
Why Is This Training So Important?
Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, made it clear: this training is a big deal. Liberia has faced tough health challenges before, including Ebola and COVID-19. This program is a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s preparedness. The aim is to mobilize human resources effectively and respond to emergencies within the first 48 critical hours.
Ready to Serve
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko, representing WHO, thanked the graduates for their dedication. The graduates are now part of a WHO roster, ready to deploy within Liberia and other countries. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N Kowo, speaking for the group, assured everyone that they are ready to respond to any outbreak, not just in Liberia, but also in the wider region.
About AVoHC and SURGE
AVoHC stands for Africa CDC’s African Volunteer Health Corps initiative. SURGE is WHO’s initiative “Strengthening & Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies.” Basically, it’s all about building a robust team of trained professionals ready to jump in when needed.
Liberia has taken a significant leap in strengthening its health emergency response capabilities. With these 50 new heroes ready to serve, the nation is in a much better position to protect its people.
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