World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo has disclosed that Malawi is the 16th country to train 3,000 experts to become African core responders to emergencies.
According to Kimambo, this is the first time for Malawi to train responders.
Speaking during the training of 63 officers drawn from government ministries and departments (MDAs) and other African countries earmarked to become first responders during emergencies, the WHO official said Malawi has been chosen to train them because they have experience in handling outbreaks and disasters.
“In view of the increasing and emerging threats of disease outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies, including floods, tropical storms, cyclones, droughts and conflict on the continent, it is imperative to build a workforce that can be called upon when needed to rapidly mitigate crises,” Kimambo said.
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She said the responders will immediately be sent to areas that are currently hit by cholera.
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Meanwhile, Department of Disaster Management Affairs Director of Response and Recovery Moses Chimphepo has said government has made some changes in responding to disasters after learning from experience.
From now onwards, the response will be done within 48 hours from the previous 72 hours.
“We are happy that WHO is training people that will be added to a roster of emergency experts for the region, who are expected to respond to emergencies in Malawi at the direction of the government, and they may also be called upon for deployment to other countries in the region,” Chimphepo said.
Ministry of Health Director of Administration Ben Mbwana said the training has come at an opportune time to strengthen the existing structures to respond more efficiently and effectively to crises.
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Trained officers will automatically be added to a roster of emergency experts for Africa and will be expected to respond to emergencies in the country and the region.
