Liberia trains 50 professionals to strengthen public health emergency response

LIBERIA—Fifty Liberian professionals have successfully completed a month-long AVoHC-SURGE training program to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

This initiative was a collaborative effort by the Liberian government, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government.

The training is part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagship roadmap and focused on equipping participants with essential skills.

These included managing Public Health Emergency Operating Centers (PHEOCs), coordinating humanitarian and health clusters, addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in emergencies, preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PRSEAH), and operating Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., Assistant Chief of Staff for Health Services for the Armed Forces of Liberia, expressed pride in being part of the Liberia SURGE team.

He noted that the military has consistently played a critical role in public health responses, citing their contributions during past emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing pox outbreak.

He emphasized that this training has prepared the participants to act as a unified force in future emergencies.

The program also focused on ensuring that participants are ready to mobilize resources and respond to crises within the critical first 48 hours of an emergency.

At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Liberia’s Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, highlighted the importance of this milestone.

He noted that Liberia has faced numerous health challenges in the past, making this training essential for strengthening the country’s preparedness.

Dr. Musu Julie Duworko, a WHO representative, praised the trainees’ dedication and emphasized that they are now part of the WHO emergency roster.

This means they may be called upon to assist in emergencies not only within Liberia but also in other countries that require support.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kowo, speaking on behalf of the graduates, assured stakeholders that the knowledge and skills gained from this program would be put to good use.

 He expressed gratitude to the government, WHO, Africa CDC, and the Canadian government, pledging that the team is fully prepared to respond to outbreaks in Liberia and the region.

This training, part of Africa CDC’s African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) and WHO’s Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) initiatives, marks a significant step in building Liberia’s capacity to address public health emergencies effectively.

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