Background:
The new framework for health emergency management, the Health Emergency Preparedness Response and Resilience (HEPR) presents a renewed vision for strengthening the way in which countries and the world prepare for, ready and respond to health emergencies. HEPR emphasizes the imperative to place communities at the center and positions community protection as a core area of activity.
As a pioneering step toward operationalizing community protection within HEPR, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with national governments and partners, conducted a community simulation exercise in Ghana from January 23rd to 25th, 2024.
This exercise aimed to assess and enhance community preparedness and readiness in detecting and responding to outbreaks, alongside national and local health authorities, including Primary Health Care centers (PHCs). Notably, this initiative represents a paradigm shift, emphasizing the importance of bolstering local and community capacities in preventing, detecting, and responding to health emergencies.
Presentations:
Video recording
Speakers:
Opening remarks: Dr Nedret Emiroglu, Director, Country Readiness Strengthening (CRS) (TBC)
- Operational readiness in communities: an overview of the Ghana Tabletop exercise: Dr Kai Von Harbou, Unit Head, Community Readiness and Resilience, WHO HQ and Dr Charles Kuria Njuguna, Regional Advisor, Country Readiness Strengthening (CRS) WHO-AFRO
- Panel: Why this exercise was important in strengthening operational readiness capabilities in communities: WHO, national, community and partner perspectives
- Dr Joshua Arthur, Ag. National PHEOC Manager, MoH Ghana
- Ms Genevieve Dakurah (in-charge of Kwaekese CHPS zone)
- Dr Patrick Mawupemor Avevor, Infectious Hazard Management Officer, WHO Ghana.
- Dr Clare Bayntun, UK-PHRST
The webinar was presented by Dr Supriya Bezbaruah EPI-WIN Lead in WHO.