EPI-WIN Webinar hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Oct 8, 2024 focused on enhancing emergency preparedness through strengthened core clinical services. The session highlighted the lessons learned from the Republic of Moldova, a country that has been actively working to improve its health system resilience in the face of various emergencies.
Introduction to the Global Health and Peace Initiative (GHPI)
The GHPI was launched as a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the nexus between health and peace. Recognizing that health is a fundamental human right, the initiative seeks to promote peacebuilding efforts through health interventions, thereby contributing to global stability. The initiative operates under the understanding that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but involves the establishment of conditions that allow individuals and communities to thrive.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, opened the webinar by highlighting the urgent need for integrating health into peacebuilding initiatives. He noted that “health is a critical pillar of sustainable peace,” and emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities, particularly in regions facing conflict or post-conflict challenges.
Description
Approximately 80% of the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s humanitarian caseload and 70% of disease outbreaks that WHO responds to take place in Fragile, Conflict affected and Vulnerable (FCV) settings. Armed conflict obstructs the delivery of equitable healthcare and can directly affect health systems, including the collapse of medical supply chains; the exodus of health care workers; attacks on health care and upsurges in disease outbreak and food insecurity.
To respond to the complex and urgent health needs emerging in a rapidly changing world order, WHO-with the championing of Oman and Switzerland-launched the Global Health and Peace Initiative (GHPI) in November 2019 with the aim of better addressing the underlying drivers of critical health needs in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings. Addressing those social determinants of health which aggravate existing inequalities and vulnerabilities is critical for achieving sustainable health outcomes globally.
Objectives:
- Provide an overview
- Discuss – the Global Health and Peace Initiative, what it is and is not; and to illustrate what ‘Health and Peace programming’ can look like through the case of a WHO-IOM project implemented in Cameroon titled ‘Peace through health: Peacebuilding and violence reduction in communities in the far-north through inclusive health and social interventions’ (2021-2023), funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
Context and Importance of the Webinar
As global health threats become increasingly complex due to factors such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions, strengthening health systems is crucial. The webinar aimed to provide a platform for sharing strategies and experiences, particularly how Moldova has navigated its challenges and turned them into opportunities for enhancing emergency readiness.
Interested Audience can register for webinar via given link:
https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HwEFbHQ9TRGxOF1GSBECoQ#/registration
Moldova’s Journey in Emergency Preparedness
Moldova, a small Eastern European country, has faced significant health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The government and health authorities recognized that improving core clinical services was essential for effective emergency response. The lessons shared during the webinar reflected the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and systematic planning.
- Integrated Health Services: Moldova has focused on integrating various health services to create a more cohesive response framework. By coordinating efforts across different health sectors, the country improved its ability to respond to emergencies swiftly.
- Capacity Building: Training healthcare professionals was a priority. Continuous professional development ensured that medical staff were equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, especially in emergency response protocols.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities played a pivotal role in Moldova’s strategy. By fostering partnerships with community organizations, the healthcare system was able to enhance public awareness and preparedness, ensuring that citizens knew how to respond during emergencies.
- Resource Allocation: Adequate resource allocation was crucial. The government invested in infrastructure and medical supplies, ensuring that healthcare facilities were equipped to handle surges in patient numbers during crises.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics to inform policy decisions was a key aspect of Moldova’s approach. By utilizing real-time data.
Key Speakers:
- Opening remarks: Altaf Musani Director, Health Emergencies Interventions (HEI), WHO HQ
- Mathilde Boddaert, Technical Officer, GHPI, WHO HQ
- Claver Lotsa Momo, Peace through Health Project Coordinator, WHO Cameroon
EPI-WIN Webinar: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Through Moldova’s Innovative Healthcare Strategies
EPI-WIN webinar hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on September 28, 2023, focused on enhancing emergency preparedness through strengthened core clinical services. The session highlighted the lessons learned from the Republic of Moldova, a country that has been actively working to improve its health system resilience in the face of various emergencies.
Moldova’s Journey in Emergency Preparedness
Moldova, a small Eastern European country, has faced significant health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The government and health authorities recognized that improving core clinical services was essential for effective emergency response. The lessons shared during the webinar reflected the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and systematic planning.
