Implementation guide to “Enhancing health facility preparedness for prompt response to public health emergencies: Ethiopia’s public health emergency at health facilities initiative.”
Executive Summary:
The implementation guide for the Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) at the Health Facility Initiative in Ethiopia provides crucial guidance for managing public health emergencies in health facilities across the country. The primary goal of this initiative is to improve the ability to identify and respond to public health emergencies (PHEs) and ensure that health facilities are well-equipped and resilient in the face of PHEs. The guide takes a proactive approach to emergency preparedness, aiming to mitigate the impact of crises and prevent them from happening. It serves as a comprehensive resource, outlining the step-by-step process for establishing an effective PHEM framework at health facilities that aligns with the national health emergency management plan at all levels.
The PHEM at health facility implementation guide has several key components. These include the establishment of teams for emergency preparedness and response, the development of emergency preparedness and response plans, and the strengthening of surveillance systems. The guide provides detailed guidance on the roles and responsibilities of different actors involved in implementation, as well as advocacy, capacity-building, and simulations. The initiative emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders in building effective PHEM systems. This includes local government, partners, Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), healthcare workers, and the community. It encourages health facilities and communities to participate in emergency preparedness and response activities involving local leaders and community members. The implementation guide is not only relevant to public health emergencies but also to other emergencies that require an equal level of preparedness and response such as natural disasters or conflicts. In conclusion, the PHEM at Health Facility Initiative Implementation Guide plays a vital role in helping health institutions to establish effective emergency preparedness and response systems. It offers practical guidance and tools that can be tailored to meet local needs and circumstances.
