SOUTH AFRICA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) in close collaboration with the South Africa National Department of Health, has undertaken comprehensive training to improve the country’s expertise in disease surveillance and response mechanisms.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Training of Trainers program was held in Cape Town, South Africa, and stands as a testament to WHO’s dedication to enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and bolstering national health emergency preparedness.
The training involved the adaptation of the 3rd Edition Technical Guidelines and Training materials for the IDSR strategy.
The National Training of Trainers gathered 150 participants from various professional backgrounds across all nine provinces of South Africa.
At the heart of the IDSR Training of Trainers, program was the aspiration to build the capacity of identified training coordinators and facilitators.
This initiative sought to empower these individuals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to cascade the IDSR training program to a broader spectrum of stakeholders at the provincial, district, health facility, and community levels.
WHO, in collaboration with technical officers from the WHO country office in South Africa, WHO-AFRO, the National Department of Health, Global Affairs Canada, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
WHO seeks to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for disease response and management
WHO specifically sought to expound on the integral role of IDSR training within the health emergency preparedness and response cycle.
Through the adaptation of the IDSR training program based on adult learning principles and local context, WHO showcased its adaptability and nuanced approach to knowledge dissemination.
Furthermore, the facilitation introduced interactive methodologies that engaged participants and fostered critical thinking and skill acquisition, thereby emphasizing the organization’s innovative approach to capacity-building.
By imparting mastery in key training strategies, WHO demonstrated its dedication to sharing globally accepted practices, thereby contributing to the skill enhancement of participants.
WHO’s involvement in coordinating the implementation of the IDSR training program underlines its capacity to oversee complex processes and contribute to seamless execution.
The sessions also act to encourage participants to initiate personal development plans, WHO reinforced its role as a platform for professional growth and advancement.
The training also acted as a guide for participants in identifying potential financial support sources, WHO showcased its wide-ranging network and commitment to the sustainability of training programs.
As the training concluded, participants emerged with not only enhanced knowledge and skills in the IDSR strategy but also a profound understanding of how to apply these competencies in real-world scenarios.
WHO’s commitment to empowering health professionals extended beyond theory and into practical application, allowing participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice seamlessly.
This training-of-trainers initiative aligns with WHO’s global mission of achieving better health outcomes for all.
By equipping local stakeholders with the tools to improve surveillance and response mechanisms, WHO lays the foundation for a more resilient and prepared health system.
The organization’s dedication to promoting health security at all levels contributes significantly to national readiness to combat future pandemics and other public health events.
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