The State of Qatar hosted a training course titled 'Public Health Skills for Action in Complex Emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region,' organized by the Ministry of Public Health in cooperation with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with the participation of 60 experts from 24 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO).
During the closing remarks, Director of the Health Emergencies Department at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Soha Al Bayat emphasized that 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.
She pointed out that the GHEC initiative represents a shared commitment to building surge capacity, emergency leadership, and a well-trained public health workforce. She indicated that 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.
She noted that the EMRO, like other regions worldwide, has faced increasingly complex public health threats, from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disasters and conflicts, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing complex health emergencies have brought to light significant challenges and highlighted the importance of a coordinated, global response.
She stressed the need for a skilled and coordinated regional health workforce, pointing out that the course is a critical investment in building surge capacity, fostering regional collaboration, and strengthening the regional health emergency workforce. The course also aims to empower the next generation of leaders, ensuring that communities around the world are better prepared to face future health crises, Dr. Al Bayat added.
The intensive training helped equip emergency responders and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities needed to navigate complex emergencies. The course is recognized as one of the best globally and involves a combination of theoretical learning and practical simulations. The course participants gained crucial expertise to design and implement effective public health interventions in challenging emergency environments.
