The aim of the IHR is to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide
10 February 2023 – In early February 2023, the Ministry of Health in Kuwait, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and Centre for Environmental Health Action, hosted a training workshop aimed at strengthening national capacities in detecting and responding to radio-nuclear emergencies, with a special focus on the clinical management of radiation injuries.
The purpose of this four-day workshop, spanning from 6 to 9 February, was multifaceted. It aimed to educate national experts on the intricate aspects of managing radio-nuclear emergencies and to pinpoint future strategies for augmenting radiation response capacities. The training was designed around several core objectives:
strengthening national capacity for monitoring, detecting and responding to radio-nuclear emergencies to support the implementation of the International Health Regulations 2005.
developing skills among medical personnel in the use of personal protective equipment, assessing the condition of those affected by radiation emergencies and executing proper decontamination processes.
equipping medical personnel with expertise in the medical treatment of radiation-related injuries.
strengthening the capacity of medical facilities to respond to radio-nuclear emergencies effectively.
amplifying the skillset of national authorities in assessing risks associated with all hazards, including radiation emergencies.
sharing best practices to communicating risks during radiation emergencies, in line with WHO's guidelines.
The methodology employed during the workshop was a comprehensive blend of approaches, aligning with the predetermined objectives. Participants engaged in technical presentations, panel discussions, interactive group activities and simulation scenarios, all facilitated by WHO personnel and regional experts. Covering a wide range of critical areas, the sessions delved into topics as varied as International Health Regulations 2005 essentials, radiation emergencies, emergency response plans, risk assessment, risk communication strategies during health emergencies, mental health concerns, healthcare facility preparedness, emergency triaging and decontamination and notably, the clinical management of radiation injuries.
More than 60 individuals from a diverse range of Kuwaiti stakeholders attended the event. This diverse group included representatives from multiple Ministry of Health departments, such as the International Health Regulations Centre, Radiation Protection Department, Medical Emergency Department and personnel from eight hospitals. Members from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Guard and various authorities including those overseeing agriculture, fisheries, environmental matters, customs and civil aviation were also in attendance.
This training marked a significant stride in strengthening the health security interface against radio-nuclear threats within Kuwait and the broader Eastern Mediterranean Region, addressing an emergent need for readiness in a rapidly evolving global landscape of health risks.
