By: Mariama Njie
The international organization for migration has yesterday begin a two-day capacity building for health officers on the prevention, control and personnel protective equipment held at Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The training according to the officials is aimed at strengthening and improving the understanding of the country’s public worker on the ways and means of proper use of personal protective equipment.
The Minister of health Ahmadou Lamin Samateh in his statement said the declaration of the corona virus by world health organization (WHO) as a global emergency has shown a proactive effort of governments to combat the virus.
The corona virus he stated are a family of viruses that causes illness such as a severe common cold disease and including an acute respiratory syndrome to the body while urging immigration officers to be vigilant and put a proper checking mechanism at the borders to also help prevent the corona virus.
“We are in contact with local and international partners, we have shared all relevant information with the regional health centres and hospital in order to be on the alert. We are also strengthening our surveillance systems especially at all entry points of the country to enhance screening and information of travels,” he said.
He thanked the IOM office for organizing the training stating will help equip health workers with vital health preventive measures urging the participant to take the training seriously.
Fumiko Nagano, Chief Mission of IOM office in the Gambia, has described the training as key, adding outbreaks and public health emergencies are often unpredictable, preventive measures and health preparedness he said are crucial areas to invest in order to save lives.
“When we talk of The Gambia being prepared, we mean you as the country’s public health officers being prepared. We hope you will learn a lot in this two-day training, which is the first step in rendering you ready, not only for the coming weeks, but in the years to come.” She lamented.
She said, responding to public health threats should be built on the foundation of prevention and preparedness, adding this includes investing in enhancing the capacity of public health core services, early detection and swift response to the emergencies such as the corona virus.
“We looks forward to further engaging the Government of the Gambia in initiatives that recognize both the rights to safe migrants and the right to their health as a fundamental human rights”, she added.