Africa Health Collaborative at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully concluded a five-day workshop focusing on Community Emergency Care (CEC) and the Emergency Preparedness (EMPRESS) short courses.

The event, now in its third year, brought together healthcare professionals from various regions to enhance their skills in emergency response and pandemic preparedness.

Dr. Kimberly de Souza from the University of Toronto, reflecting on the workshop, praised the active participation and curiosity demonstrated by attendees. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between Canadian and Ghanaian facilitators, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in strengthening emergency care practices.

“This course thrives on your participation, so stay curious and actively involved. Over the past few years, we’ve been co-facilitating and collaborating with our Ghanaian colleagues, so let’s learn from each other and draw from our shared experiences both from Canada and Ghana to strengthen our practices in emergency preparedness and response. We are honoured to have you here with us,” she said.

The co-created course seeks to equip participants with the requisite skills to respond effectively to emergencies and pandemics.

Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour, Dean of the School of Public Health (SPH) at KNUST, underscored the essence of continuous lifelong learning and the need to acquire skills to make a difference. He encouraged trainees to take advantage of the resources available to them.

“I believe the next few days will offer you exceptional opportunities to expand beyond knowledge. Network with your colleague primary healthcare workers from all other regions. Engage with expert facilitators who are very passionate about their courses,” he said.

Dr. Donald Melady, an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, reaffirmed the mission of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), which is to ensure that everyone globally has access to high-quality emergency care.

Addressing participants in the Community Emergency Care (CEC) course, he noted, “You are striving toward fulfilling that mission, and we are here to support you, and we will keep ensuring that every person in Ghana has access to high-quality emergency care.”

Provost of the College of Health Science at KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, emphasized that Ghana, like many developing countries, has made significant strides in healthcare over the years, but emergency care and pandemic preparedness at the community level remain a pressing concern.

“Emergency care plays a vital role in saving lives, promoting well-being, and maintaining the health of our communities. The concept of community-based emergency care is critical because it emphasizes the importance of prompt and efficient healthcare at the local level, and that is what we are looking out for,” he said.

Prof. Agyare believes that with a shared vision, Ghana’s healthcare system can be healthier, more resilient, and better prepared to face emergencies. “CEC and EMPRESS are not just healthcare issues; they are societal issues that touch the lives of every Ghanaian. It requires a collective effort, commitment, and willingness to address disparities in access to care,” he said.

He also encouraged participants to embrace the experience, build capacity, as it will help improve the primary healthcare system of Ghana, working towards a future where no Ghanaian is left without lifesaving care in times of crisis.

Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, urged participants to network and engage fully in the course.

“Make the most of this unique opportunity to learn from experts who have come from all over. Engage with everything happening during this period and absorb as much as you can before they leave. When asked to reflect on this experience, you should be able to do so confidently. You have everything you need right here, and you won’t find anything better. Apply yourselves to this opportunity, and know that we are always grateful to support you,” he said.

The workshop where under the aegis of the Health Employment Pillar of the Collaborative.

Dr. Kofi Akohene Mensah, the lead of the Health Employment Pillar, expressed his gratitude to the team from the University of Toronto, the team from Ghana, and the staff from the Health Collaborative.

He also highlighted the indiscriminate nature of pandemics, emphasizing the importance of preparing health facilities to effectively respond to emergency healthcare situations.

“We urge you to take the knowledge you’ve gained and apply it in your communities. At the facility level, work as a team, advocate for resources, and make a meaningful impact,” he said.