Africa faces over 100 public health emergencies annually, including disease outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg. Such emergencies highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities. Recognizing this need, Ghana successfully hosted a multi-agency simulation exercise from November 11 to 15, 2024. The initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Government of Ghana, marked a significant step in strengthening regional health resilience.
The simulation exercise, held at the Critical Care and Emergency Hospital in Accra, tested state-of-the-art solutions, including the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) and Health Emergency Facility (HEF) kits. These facilities are designed to provide rapid containment and treatment during infectious disease outbreaks, eliminating the need for long-distance patient transfers that risk spreading infections further.
With participation from six African countries—Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda—and over 20 partner organizations, the exercise provided hands-on training in setting up the IDTM and HEF, and managing Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) cases. Participants practiced the full patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment and dignified burial, using innovative tools developed under the INITIATE2-HEF project.
The simulation exercise, held at the Critical Care and Emergency Hospital in Accra, tested state-of-the-art solutions, including the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) and Health Emergency Facility (HEF) kits. These facilities are designed to provide rapid containment and treatment during infectious disease outbreaks, eliminating the need for long-distance patient transfers that risk spreading infections further.
With participation from six African countries—Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda—and over 20 partner organizations, the exercise provided hands-on training in setting up the IDTM and HEF, and managing Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) cases. Participants practiced the full patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment and dignified burial, using innovative tools developed under the INITIATE2-HEF project.
Dr. Frank Lule, Officer-in-Charge of WHO Ghana, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation in preparedness, stating, "Guided by lessons from past outbreaks, WHO continues to invest in partnerships, research, tools, and innovations to protect populations and keep the world safe."
The collaborative nature of the exercise was highlighted by Fiachra McAsey, UNICEF Ghana Deputy Country Representative, who noted, "By working together, all partners are demonstrating commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of people worldwide, especially the most vulnerable children."
Walid Ibrahim, UNHRD Network Coordinator, also praised the collaboration among stakeholders, stating: "This exercise highlights the power of partnership. By bringing together stakeholders, we can test these innovations and gain insights to strengthen future preparedness."
Following the successful simulation exercise, the INITIATE project will shift focus to comprehensive training for clinicians and logisticians on the setup and utilization of the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) and Health Emergency Facility (HEF). Notably, the materials used during the simulation, which have been donated to Ghana's Ministry of Health, mark a shift in emergency preparedness. Unlike previous practices where materials for Ebola and other VHF responses were destroyed due to contamination concerns, these high-performance resources can now be disinfected, reused, and scaled, setting a new standard for sustainable health emergency management.
Dr. Darius Kofi Osei, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, expressed optimism about the outcomes of the exercise, saying: "While gaps in emergency preparedness remain, this innovation is promising, and we look forward to using it in the future."
This successful simulation exercise marks a significant milestone in enhancing capacity to manage infectious disease outbreaks, especially in Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and readiness to protect lives and prevent future pandemics.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393
This successful simulation exercise marks a significant milestone in enhancing capacity to manage infectious disease outbreaks, especially in Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and readiness to protect lives and prevent future pandemics.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393