Enhancing Global Health Security: US Africa Command’s Disaster Preparedness Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. 319-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda J. Morton Hamer ◽  
Paul L. Reed ◽  
Jane D. Greulich ◽  
Charles W. Beadling
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Health Security ◽  
International Agencies ◽  
Management Capability ◽  
Us Government ◽  
Military Support ◽  
Management Capabilities

AbstractUS Africa Command’s Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP), implemented by the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine, partnered with US Government agencies and international organizations to promote stability and security on the African continent by engaging with African Partner Nations’ (PN) civil and military authorities to improve disaster management capabilities. From 2008 to 2015, DPP conducted disaster preparedness and response programming with 17 PNs. DPP held a series of engagements with each, including workshops, strategic planning, developing preparedness and response plans, tabletop exercises, and prioritizing disaster management capability gaps identified through the engagements. DPP partners collected data for each PN to further capacity building efforts. Thus far, 9 countries have completed military pandemic plans, 10 have developed national pandemic influenza plans, 9 have developed military support to civil authorities plans, and 11 have developed disaster management strategic work plans. There have been 20 national exercises conducted since 2009. DPP was cited as key in implementation of Ebola response plans in PNs, facilitated development of disaster management agencies in DPP PNs, and trained nearly 800 individuals. DPP enhanced PNs’ ability to prepare and respond to crises, fostering relationships between international agencies, and improving civil-military coordination through both national and regional capacity building. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:319–329)

Military Involvement in Disaster Preparedness, Organisation, and Disaster Relief — Civilian Military Co-Operation (CIMIC)

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (S2) ◽  
pp. S25
Author(s):  
Rannveig Bremer Fjær ◽  
Knut Ole Sundnes
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Military Involvement ◽  
Military Forces

In frequent humanitarian emergencies during the last decades, military forces increasingly have been engaged through provision of equipment and humanitarian assistance, and through peace-support operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate how military resources could be used in disaster preparedness as well as in disaster management and relief.

How Prepared Are Hospitals’ Emergency Management Capacity? Factors Influencing Efficiency of Disaster Rescue

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-183
Author(s):  
Lijun Gao ◽  
Qunhong Wu ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
Ding Ding ◽  
Yanhua Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Heilongjiang Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Management Capacity ◽  
Response Capacity ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals

AbstractObjectivesIn light of government investment over the past decade, we explored the capacity for disaster response in Heilongjiang Province, identifying the factors that affect response capacity.MethodsWe surveyed 1257 medical staff in 65 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Heilongjiang province to explore their perceptions of disaster management capacity using a cross-sectional multistage, stratified cluster sampling method.ResultsAll tertiary hospitals (100%) and most secondary hospitals (93%) have documented disaster management plans that are regularly reviewed. In secondary hospitals, drills were less prevalent (76.7%) but the occurrence of simulated training exercises was closer to tertiary hospitals (86.0%). We noted that 95.4% of all hospitals have leadership groups responsible for disaster preparedness capacity building, but only 10.8% have a stockpiled network of reserve supplies.ConclusionsAlthough response capacity has improved in Heilongjiang Province, vulnerabilities remain. We recommend that priorities should be targeted at preparedness capacity building, in terms of reliable and relevant operational response plans, the expansion of existing response mechanisms to oversee local education and scenario training, and to ensure there is sufficient access to protective equipment and materials, either held in reserve, or alternatively by activating resilient supply chain mechanisms. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:176–183)

The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative: Strengthening National Capacities for All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda J. Morton Hamer ◽  
Paul L. Reed ◽  
Jane D. Greulich ◽  
Gabor D. Kelen ◽  
Nicole A. Bradstreet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
West African ◽  
The West ◽  
Training Centre ◽  
Emergency Operations Center ◽  
International Peacekeeping ◽  
Management Capabilities

AbstractObjectiveThe Ebola outbreak demonstrated the need for improved disaster response throughout West Africa. The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative was a training and assessment effort led by US Africa Command and partners to strengthen capacities among 12 West African partner nations (PNs).MethodsSeries of 3-week training sessions with representatives from each PN were held from 13 July through 20 November 2015 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana. A team conducted Disaster Management Capabilities Assessments (DMCAs) for each PN, including a review of key data, a survey for leaders, and in-person interviews of key informants.ResultsAll 12 PNs generated a national Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and Emergency Operations Center standard operating procedures. DMCA metrics were generated for each PN. Top performers included Ghana, with a plan rated good/excellent, and Benin and Burkina Faso, which both achieved a satisfactory rating for their plans. More than 800 people from 12 nations were trained.ConclusionPNs have improved disaster management capabilities and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The Economic Community of West African States has increased its lead role in this and future planned initiatives. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:431–438)

Economic Community of West African States Disaster Preparedness Tabletop Exercise: Building Regional Capacity to Enhance Health Security

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 400-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda J. Morton Hamer ◽  
Paul L. Reed ◽  
Jane D. Greulich ◽  
Charles W. Beadling
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
West African ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Economic Community ◽  
Member States ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Heads Of State

AbstractObjectiveThe West African Disaster Preparedness Initiative held a disaster preparedness tabletop exercise with representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in November 2015. The tabletop exercise was hosted by the Republic of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization and partners in Accra, Ghana.MethodsECOWAS Commission delegates and representatives from 10 member states were confronted with a series of simulated crises. Participants utilized existing national preparedness plans and web-based information technologies to research and communicate about internal disaster threats and those from neighboring countries. After each of the exercise’s three phases, facilitators distributed participant surveys.ResultsA total of 106 individuals participated in the tabletop exercise. During the exercise, national teams utilizing well-developed disaster contingency plans and emergency operations center (EOC) standard operating procedures (SOPs) reached out to help less-prepared national teams. Key issues identified in the survey were language and cultural issues as barriers, effectiveness of disaster management agencies linked to heads of state, and the need for data sharing and real-time communication for situational awareness and multisector coordination.ConclusionThis tabletop exercise helped improve and refine the ECOWAS regional and member states’ national SOPs that teams will employ to prepare for, respond to, and recover from future disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:400-404)

Major Influences on Hospital Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (S1) ◽  
pp. S68-S73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren M. Sauer ◽  
Melissa L. McCarthy ◽  
Ann Knebel ◽  
Peter Brewster
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Community Integration ◽  
Executive Branch ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
The Us ◽  
Us Government ◽  
Management Capabilities

ABSTRACTThe role of hospitals in the community response to disasters has received increased attention, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Hospitals must be prepared to respond to and recover from all-hazards emergencies and disasters. There have been several initiatives to guide hospitals’ role in these events and to assist hospitals in their effort to prepare for them. This article focuses on the efforts of 4 distinct groups: The Joint Commission (TJC), the executive branch of the US government, the US Congress, and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Despite the different approach each group uses to assist hospitals to improve their emergency management capabilities, the initiatives reinforce one another and have resulted in increased efforts by hospitals to improve their disaster preparedness and response capabilities and community integration. The continued progress of our medical response system in all-hazard emergencies and disasters depends in large part on the future guidance and support of these 4 key institutions. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S68–S73)

Disaster Management in Rural and Remote Primary Health Care: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-369
Author(s):  
Katie A. Willson ◽  
Gerard J. FitzGerald ◽  
David Lim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Primary Health

AbstractObjective:This scoping review aims to map the roles of rural and remote primary health care professionals (PHCPs) during disasters.Introduction:Disasters can have catastrophic impacts on society and are broadly classified into natural events, man-made incidents, or a mixture of both. The PHCPs working in rural and remote communities face additional challenges when dealing with disasters and have significant roles during the Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR) stages of disaster management.Methods:A Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was utilized, and the search was conducted over seven electronic databases according to a priori protocol.Results:Forty-one papers were included and sixty-one roles were identified across the four stages of disaster management. The majority of disasters described within the literature were natural events and pandemics. Before a disaster occurs, PHCPs can build individual resilience through education. As recognized and respected leaders within their community, PHCPs are invaluable in assisting with disaster preparedness through being involved in organizations’ planning policies and contributing to natural disaster and pandemic surveillance. Key roles during the response stage include accommodating patient surge, triage, maintaining the health of the remaining population, instituting infection control, and ensuring a team-based approach to mental health care during the disaster. In the aftermath and recovery stage, rural and remote PHCPs provide long-term follow up, assisting patients in accessing post-disaster support including delivery of mental health care.Conclusion:Rural and remote PHCPs play significant roles within their community throughout the continuum of disaster management. As a consequence of their flexible scope of practice, PHCPs are well-placed to be involved during all stages of disaster, from building of community resilience and contributing to early alert of pandemics, to participating in the direct response when a disaster occurs and leading the way to recovery.

scholarly journals Disaster Day: A Simulation-Based Disaster Medicine Curriculum for Novice Learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110207
Author(s):  
Brad D Gable ◽  
Asit Misra ◽  
Devin M Doos ◽  
Patrick G Hughes ◽  
Lisa M Clayton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Management Concepts ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Second Year

Background: Mass casualty and multi-victim incidents have increased in recent years due to a number of factors including natural disasters and terrorism. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommends that medical students be trained in disaster preparedness and response. However, a majority of United States medical students are not provided such education. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1 day, immersive, simulation-based Disaster Day curriculum. Settings and Design: Learners were first and second year medical students from a single institution. Materials and Methods: Our education provided learners with information on disaster management, allowed for application of this knowledge with hands-on skill stations, and culminated in near full-scale simulation where learners could evaluate the knowledge and skills they had acquired. Statistical analysis used: To study the effectiveness of our Disaster Day curriculum, we conducted a single-group pretest-posttest and paired analysis of self-reported confidence data. Results: A total of 40 first and second year medical students participated in Disaster Day as learners. Learners strongly agreed that this course provided new information or provided clarity on previous training, and they intended to use what they learned, 97.6% and 88.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Medical students’ self-reported confidence of key disaster management concepts including victim triage, tourniquet application, and incident command improved after a simulation-based disaster curriculum. This Disaster Day curriculum provides students the ability to apply concepts learned in the classroom and better understand the real-life difficulties experienced in a resource limited environment.

China’s response to the 2014–2016 Ebola crisis: Enhancing Africa’s soft security under Sino-US competition

2020 ◽  
pp. 0920203X2097854
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Cabestan
Keyword(s):  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Strategic Competition ◽  
International Response ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Military Teams

The 2014–16 Ebola crisis in West Africa was China’s very first opportunity to demonstrate its willingness and ability to play a meaningful role in addressing public health emergencies of international concern. China’s decision to participate in the international response to the outbreak was part of an ambition to enhance its contribution to Africa’s security in general and health security in particular and to exert more influence on global norms. The specific role played by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), especially its Academy of Military Medical Sciences, in Sierra Leone and Liberia is part of an ongoing effort to increase China’s involvement in international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. It was the first time that it sent medical military teams to set up and operate infectious disease hospitals overseas. This participation also underscores the PLA’s crucial role in fighting epidemics overseas as well as at home, as the current COVID-19 pandemic illustrates. The Ebola crisis enables us to explore aspects of the PLA’s overseas missions, some of which are humanitarian and others which generally enhance China’s influence as a great power in Africa and in the world in the context of a growing Sino-US strategic competition.

scholarly journals Peningkatan Kapasitas Masyarakat Dalam Mengurangi Risiko Bencana Di Desa Bandung Rejo Kabupaten Gorontalo

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Syahrizal Koem ◽  
Noviar Akase ◽  
Irwan Muis
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Community Capacity ◽  
Community Capacity Building ◽  
Building Program ◽  
And Training

The community capacity building program in reducing disaster risk aims to realize the Bandung Rejo village as a disaster resilient village. Efforts made to achieve community capacity building include: (1) institutional aspects through the establishment of Disaster Risk Management forums (DRR) and Community Disaster Preparedness Teams (CDPT), (2) aspects of capacity building through dissemination and training in the preparation of disaster management plans and contingency plans , (3) aspects of the implementation of disaster management through a program to create a threat map and create disaster warning signs. The establishment of DRR and CDPT forums has a strategic role in minimizing disaster risk. The results achieved from the socialization and training were the availability of Bandung Rejo village disaster risk analysis document. The document can be a reference in making development policies in the village. Based on the results of the analysis conducted by the forum that Bandung Rejo village had a flood hazard level in the medium category. The results of identification and analysis obtained two flood-prone points that were able to reach agricultural land and facilities and infrastructure facilities. The implementation of community capacity building programs in Bandung Rejo village can provide stimulus to local governments and the public about the importance of disaster anticipation.

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