The
National Disaster Management Agency, NDMA, with support from UNFPA and the
Ministry of Health in Banjul, recently held a series of training programmes for
health care service providers, on community resilience through implementing
sexual and reproductive health service programmes during emergency situations.
Speaking in Essau, the deputy Executive Director of the NDMA, Serigne Modou Joof, underscored the importance of building the capacity of health care workers on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) programme, on preventing and managing consequences of sexual violence, reducing mortality and morbidity.
He noted that the training session would enhance the capacity of health workers to address sexual and reproductive health needs, and in strengthening disaster preparedness.
Joof thanked UNFPA and the Health ministry for their support to NDMA on emergency contingency planning.
Dibhuti Bhusan Gadana, a technical assistant at the NDMA, noted that the training would contribute to developing strategies on the emergency management of disasters, and by extension reduce mortality, sexual violence and morbidity.
He said health care service providers are key in emergency management, and in building community resilience on disaster risk reduction.
Mamo Jatta, the regional public health nurse in Essau village, noted the significance of building the capacity of health care service providers on the MISP during an emergency situation.
He lauded the efforts of the NDMA and UNFPA in complementing the work of the Health ministry in strengthening effective service delivery.
Kemo Gassama from the regional governor’s office thanked NDMA and UNFPA for complementing government efforts in enhancing emergency response on disaster issues, and assured the participants of the support of the governor’s office at all times.
Pa Famara Fatty of the reproductive health unit said preventing and managing the consequences of sexual violence, to prevent excess neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality, and to reduce HIV transmission are critical in an emergency situation.
Momodou BK Ceesay, the regional disaster coordinator for NBR, said building community resilience on emergency preparedness is fundamental in the attainment of quality health care.
He noted that disaster risk reduction could only be catered for if preparation and plans are done accordingly, and they work as a team.
He went further to dilate on the negative impact of disasters, and mentioned different hazards witnessed, which include fire accidents, floods and drought which usually lead to the displacement and evacuation of people.
