Tribune News Network
Doha
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar recently hosted a training course titled ‘Public Health Skills for Action in Complex Emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region’.
This year’s course follows the resounding success of the previous course, which was held in Doha in October 2023.
The Ministry of Public Health was honoured to have hosted this important event alongside experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The event welcomed 60 participants from 24 countries and four regions to the vibrant city of Doha.
In her closing remarks, Dr Soha Al Bayat, director of the Health Emergencies Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “The State of Qatar fully supports the vision of the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) and is keen to inspire broader participation in this crucial initiative.
“The GHEC initiative represents a shared commitment to building surge capacity, emergency leadership, and a well-trained public health workforce. This training is not only intended to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle public health challenges but also to foster a spirit of collaboration and partnership.”
Speaking on the course, Dr Soha said, “The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), like other regions worldwide, has faced increasingly complex public health threats, from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disasters and conflicts. The COVID-19 pandemic and increasing complex health emergencies have brought to light significant challenges and highlighted the importance of a coordinated, global response. To effectively respond to these challenges, we need a skilled and coordinated regional health workforce.”
The course is a critical investment in building surge capacity, fostering regional collaboration and strengthening the regional health emergency workforce. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders, ensuring that communities around the world are better prepared to face future health crises.
The intensive training course will equip emergency responders and leaders with the knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities needed to navigate complex emergencies. The course is recognised as one of the best globally and involves a combination of theoretical learning and practical simulations.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health took primary responsibility for developing the online modules and practical application. They worked closely with The WHO EMRO in all design, content and delivery matters.
The course participants gained crucial expertise to design and implement effective public health interventions in challenging emergency environments.
Dr Soha said, “The journey does not end here. As you return to your respective countries and establishments, I urge you to apply the lessons you have learned and share your newfound expertise with your colleagues. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient public health workforce that is capable of responding effectively to any crisis.”
