From the number of challenges and issues encountered during the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila disaster, the East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has now revisited its rapid response action plan.

Multi-tasking disciplines within the health authority in each respective district health facilities, were required to sit in a one-day surveillance training, to look at approaches when conducting rapid assessments to prioritise resources.

Provincial Disease Control Officer, Joachim Kais who facilitated the training, said that more emphasis is in the district level to immediately respond should it be required at an instant.

“Health workers at the district levels are targeted for the training and be the focal points of response and attend to emergencies.”

“Identified senior medical officers, nurses, environment health officers, community health workers, laboratory officers and logistical support staff, all make up the rapid response, surveillance team, where they must be familiar with each other’s roles and responsibilities and execute accordingly.”

The training also looked at the composite of the rapid response team, demarcating each member’s constitution to implement during an outbreak of diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, any airborne diseases and respiratory.

Moreover, the rapid response action plan further focused on local capacity building and community-based health response.