AFENET Strengthens Capacity of Public Health Emergency Operations Staff

From 14–16 April 2025, a three-day workshop was held to strengthen the capacity of staff involved in emergency preparedness and response at the regional and national levels in Ghana. The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) functions, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and improve operational readiness for the effective management of public health emergencies.

Throughout the three-day workshop, participants were introduced to key concepts and practical approaches related to PHEOC structures, activation protocols, information management, incident command systems, and inter-agency coordination. Using a combination of presentations, interactive group exercises, and scenario-based simulations, the training provided participants with opportunities to apply their knowledge to realistic emergency situations. These activities helped participants develop practical skills to support effective decision-making, maintain situational awareness, strengthen coordination, and enhance the overall management of and response to public health emergencies.

The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, equipping 35 Ghana Health Service staff from all 16 regions of Ghana with enhanced knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness, response, and management.The training was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), as part of the KOICA-supported Global Health Security Phase II Project.

The training represents an important contribution to strengthening Ghana’s capacity to coordinate and respond effectively to public health emergencies at both the regional and national levels.