WHO launches first Mass Loss Management (MCM) training in Addis Ababa

The WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT), in collaboration with the WHO Academy, organized the first Mass Loss Management (MCM) training course in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 8-11, 2021. The training was facilitated in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. ) and WHO Ethiopia.

Thirty-one healthcare workers from federal, regional and private hospitals participated in the training.

In his opening speech at the launch of the training, the Director General of Medical Services of the Ministry of Health, Dr Yakob Seman, said: “The training aims to strengthen the capacity of health workers to manage health workers more effectively. many victims and will help them develop the accident management plan of their respective health facilities. “

Massive casualties from major disasters and incidents are often characterized by the amount, severity and variety of injuries that can quickly overwhelm the ability of local medical resources to provide comprehensive and definitive medical care. The MCM deals with the coordination and actions of health personnel in an emergency unit within the first 30 minutes after the declaration of an incident with mass casualties. An effective MCM is a complex partnership involving the Ministry of Health, other government sectors, agencies, the private sector and others working together to reduce the impacts and adverse consequences of incidents with high injury.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, stating that they leave the training better equipped to properly manage casualties and save lives. Dr Gelaw Hailemariam, a participant from Jimma University Hospital, said the hands-on training had already given him concrete ideas on how to prepare an MCM plan for his hospital in addition to improving his overall knowledge of the MCM with examples of good MCM practices.

At the end of the training, Dr Nelson Olim, WHO Academy Simulation Manager, congratulated the participants on their learning success in the WHO Academy MCM program. Dr Olim also appreciated the collaboration with WHO Ethiopia and the WHO African Region for the smooth running of the training, confirming that the WHO Academy MCM program looks forward to supporting the national rollout. from the program.

The training is part of the program implemented by the WHO Africa Emergency Medical Team Training Center in Addis Ababa, which will be officially launched by mid-2021.