A robust national health emergency operation plan is the backbone of an effective and coordinated response to a large-scale public health crisis. Without a clear framework and established procedures, even the most dedicated health professionals can face significant challenges in mobilizing resources, managing information, and delivering timely care. This course is meticulously designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic components required to develop, implement, and maintain a resilient national-level plan that safeguards populations and ensures a unified response.

This program goes beyond a theoretical approach, focusing on the practical steps and collaborative processes essential for building a functional and adaptable emergency plan. Participants will engage with best practices in risk assessment, resource management, and multi-sectoral coordination, enabling them to design a system that is not only ready for the unexpected but also capable of continuous improvement. By the end of this course, professionals will be equipped to lead their organizations in crafting a coherent and actionable plan, significantly enhancing their nation's readiness to confront a wide array of public health threats.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• National public health emergency preparedness officials
• Senior administrators in ministries of health
• Public health disaster and risk managers
• Hospital emergency department leaders
• Health sector logistics and supply chain coordinators
• National security and defense personnel with health portfolios
• Directors of public health surveillance and epidemiology
• Emergency medical services (EMS) directors
• Regional and local health authority planners
• Inter-agency coordination specialists

Objectives

• Master the principles of effective national health emergency planning.
• Develop a comprehensive framework for a national health emergency plan.
• Conduct a thorough risk and vulnerability assessment for public health threats.
• Establish clear command, control, and coordination structures.
• Plan for the strategic allocation and management of critical resources.
• Design and execute drills and exercises to test plan effectiveness.
• Create a system for inter-agency and cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Integrate public health messaging and risk communication into the plan.
• Develop a robust post-emergency evaluation and review process.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of National Health Emergency Planning

• The legal and policy basis for national health emergency planning
• The role of national and international health security frameworks
• Key components of a comprehensive national plan
• Understanding the emergency planning lifecycle
• The importance of stakeholder analysis and engagement

Module 2: Threat and Hazard Identification

• Conducting a national-level threat and risk assessment
• Identifying and prioritizing natural, biological, and man-made hazards
• Vulnerability analysis and impact assessment
• Developing scenarios for planning purposes
• The use of data and intelligence in risk modeling

Module 3: Operational Planning and Structure

• Designing the structure of the national health emergency operations center (EOC)
• Defining roles, responsibilities, and chains of command
• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key functions
• Integrating with broader national disaster management plans
• The use of common terminology and reporting systems

Module 4: Resource and Logistics Management

• Planning for the mobilization and allocation of health resources
• Establishing a national medical stockpile and supply chain strategy
• Managing surge capacity for healthcare facilities
• Personnel management and deployment during an emergency
• The role of technology in resource tracking and management

Module 5: Command, Control, and Coordination

• Implementing an effective incident command system (ICS)
• Principles of multi-agency and multi-sectoral coordination
• Establishing communication protocols between agencies and levels of government
• Managing information and creating a common operating picture
• Decision-making under pressure and in uncertain conditions

Module 6: Training, Drills, and Exercises

• The importance of regular training and capacity building
• Designing tabletop exercises (TTX) for planning teams
• Conducting functional and full-scale exercises to test readiness
• Evaluating exercise outcomes and identifying gaps
• Creating a culture of preparedness and continuous learning

Module 7: Plan Maintenance and Improvement

• Developing a schedule for plan review and updates
• The post-emergency after-action review (AAR) process
• Integrating lessons learned from real-world events and exercises
• Ensuring long-term sustainability and funding for preparedness activities
• Communicating plan updates to all stakeholders

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.