OVERVIEW OF THEPANEL DISCUSSION:

PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN HEALTH

EMERGENCIES Fifth Session of Islamic Conference

of Health MinistersIstanbul, Republic of Turkey,

17 – 19 Nov 2015

Objectives of the Panel Discussion:

• To raise awareness on the health emergency preparedness and responses;

• To review status and challenges of health emergency preparedness and responses in OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) Member States;

• To identify opportunities of collaboration and cooperation in health emergency preparedness and responses;

• To discuss way forward in overcoming challenges

Speakers

Dr. Baher Idris Abu Gharda

• Highlighted the importance of achievements in activities of thematic area 5.

• Putting strategies related to risk mitigation and preparedness for disaster on top of the agenda (working with countries top leaders)

• Look for reputable institutes with accredited programs to provide the training (focus on the experience of South-East Asian countries)

• Secure funds to implement these actions: look for funding agencies within the OIC

Dr. Baher Idris Abu Gharda

• Develop multidisciplinary rapid response teams for hazards that are not completely related to health, for example, chemical and radio nuclear hazards.

• A central Database should be created to record all health emergency related training at the regional level and capture relevant information.

• Challenges for implementation: Implementation depends on the availability of Fund

Dr. Muzaffer Akkoca

• Explained:

– The Emergency and Disaster Management System of MoH.

– Turkish National and Regional Disaster Plans including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases.

– Capacity and capability of MoH of Turkey in international relief missions and practices all over the world.

Dr. Muzaffer Akkoca

• In order to improve health care personel competencies for disasters:

– Standardised emergency and disaster medicine trainings for Islamic Countries

– Islamic medical response teams for international operations

– Emergency/disaster medicine training and simulation center

Prof. John Clemens

• Explained the the role of Centers of Excellence and the experience and achievements of ICDDR,B,

• Emphasized that the Centers of Excellence can play a key role in the dissemination of locally accumulated knowledge and experience,

• Would like to share their 30 years experience with member states of OIC.

Ali Akgül

• Highlighted the international health projects and reliefs of Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay);

– SOUTH ASIA – INDONESIA (Dr. Zeinal Abidin Hospital Project)

– SOUTH ASIA – SRI LANKA (Field Hospital)

– PAKISTAN, SUDAN – NYALA AND DARFUR (Health Projects)

– GAZA – PALESTINE (Medical Equipments/Supplies)

– SOMALIA (Shifa Hospital)

– SYRIA (Vaccine Transfer)

Dr. Michelle Gayer

• Strengthening Partnership; – Local, regional, national, international

• Highlighted the importance of;– Risk and capacity assessment– Multisectoral coordination and planning– Community resilience– Risk communication – Safe Hospitals

• Finance (investment preparedness)

Recommendation

• There is an urgent need for OIC Member States to improve their capacities in preparedness, collaboration and response areas.

• Establish a special study group for disaster preparedness and risk reduction

1

• Build emergency and disaster medicine training centers for all hazards approach

2

• Start efforts to provide financial funds for disaster preparedness3

Call for Action