WHO Regional Simulation Exercise Strengthens Health Systems for Emergency Preparedness

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted a Regional Simulation Exercise focused on emergency preparedness to enhance health systems and enable rapid, effective responses to public health emergencies and outbreaks.


 Ghana Pilots Innovative Tools

Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer in charge of the INITIATE2 Health Emergency Facilities (HEF) Simulation Exercise in Accra, commended Ghana for being the first country to pilot innovative emergency preparedness tools in their final form. Dr. Lule highlighted WHO's central role in the INITIATE2 and Health Emergency Facilities projects, emphasizing its collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), health emergency actors, research and academic institutions, and international and national partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and skill transfer for improved emergency responses.


 Building Capacity and Advancing Health Innovation

Dr. Lule noted that the Simulation Exercise is crucial in strengthening capacities for case management, deriving lessons on the deployment and use of innovative tools, and shaping the roadmap for advancing the INITIATE2 and HEF projects. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to promoting health, safeguarding populations, and serving vulnerable communities through robust public health emergency programming.


 Addressing Gaps in Ghana’s Health System

Speaking at the event, Dr. Darius Osei, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Minister of Health, acknowledged existing gaps in the country’s health system despite efforts to encourage innovation. He expressed optimism that the new technologies tested during the exercise could revolutionize outbreak management and response to dangerous pathogens.

 UNICEF's Role in Supporting Vulnerable Populations

Mr. Fiachra McAsey, UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative in Ghana, reiterated UNICEF's dedication to protecting the health and well-being of vulnerable children. He explained that the health emergency facility is designed to be rapidly deployed and disassembled, offering child-friendly essential health services such as nutrition and psychological support for children affected by emergencies.


 Testing Full Outbreak Response Scenarios

This week’s simulation, conducted in partnership with the INITIATE program, tested a full outbreak response and scale-up scenario. It included the deployment of an Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) and a Health Emergency Facility. The exercise aims to refine emergency response protocols and bolster preparedness for future health crises.


Through this initiative, WHO and its partners are demonstrating the importance of innovation, collaboration, and readiness in addressing public health emergencies and safeguarding global health.

Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko.

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