The role of emergency medical teams in Eswatini during the COVID-19 pandemic

The paper documents experiences and lesson learned in responding to COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini with the support of the Emergency Medical Teams. WHO databases, operation reports and hospitalization records were reviewed. The WHO Emergency medical Teams built the capacity for the local response teams in Eswatini. The conclusion is that following the intervention of the WHO Emergency Response Teams, Eswatini is better prepared to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks

The emergency medical teams initiative in the WHO African region: a review of the development and progress over the past 7 years

Background: The WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative coordinates the deployment of qualified medical teams who promptly respond to public health emergencies (PHEs) and provide quality service during emergencies whilst strengthening capacity. Globally, 40 EMTs have been classified between 2016 and the present (as of the writing of this article in December 2023) and are from across all the WHO regions except the WHO Africa Region (AFRO). However, WHO Africa has prioritised the implementation of EMTs in 10 priority countries to address the public health emergencies (PHEs) affecting the region. Objective: This article describes the development and progress of national EMTs in the WHO African Region over the past 7 years and elucidates the main lessons learned and the complexity and challenges in the process. Methods: This study employed a case study approach because of its appropriateness in examining a complex social phenomenon in a socio-political context in depth, using multiple lenses simultaneously. Data and information were obtained through document reviews and key informant interviews (KIIs) (n = 5) with the members of the EMT Initiative on shared field experiences. Data were systematically analysed using the Stages of Implementation Completion (SIC) framework, and the lessons learnt were presented using components of a framework from Adini et al. Results: The Initiative commenced in the WHO African Region following its launch in December 2017 in Senegal. The assessments of the concept’s engagement (involved learning and deciding), feasibility (reviewing expectation and capacity), and readiness planning (collaborating and preparing) showed that the context-specific (African context) challenges, lessons from different emergency response actions mainly guided the Initiative’s pre-implementation phase in the region and prompted the WHO emergency leadership on the urgency and need for the EMT concept in the region. The assessment of the implementation processes showed progress in key areas, with staff demonstrating improved competency, EMT services maintaining high fidelity, effective consultation launching critical components, and ongoing services providing successful support and monitoring. Creating the N-EMTs and revitalising the EMT concept required an aligned strategy with other regional emergency programmes and a futuristic vision. Proposed sustainability and governance components include creating N-EMT, developing a coordination structure, collaborating with partners, and finalising the N-EMT. Conclusion: The Initiative is an imperative component that would allow better-targeted management of health emergencies in the region. The continuous refinement of the EMT initiative is crucial. There is a need to work on additional components, such as a context-specific framework for collaborations and partnerships that would enhance deployment and procurement modalities and the complementarity between other regional initiatives to improve the work. Emphasis should be placed on strengthening local health systems, enhancing training and capacity-building programmes, and fostering regional and international collaborations. Additionally, sustainable funding and resource allocation are essential to ensure the resilience of EMTs in the African region and their long-term success

Classification and Minimum Standards for Foreign Medical Teams in Sudden Onset Disasters

The Foreign Medical Teams (FMT) Working Group under the auspices of the Global Health Cluster and the WHO commissioned this document. It introduces a simple classification, minimums standards and a registration form for FMTs that may provide surgical and trauma care arriving within the aftermath of a sudden onset disaster (SOD). These can serve as tools to improve the coordination of the foreign medical team response, and be the reference for registration on arrival as well as a possible global registration mechanism similar to what exists for urban search and rescue teams. The document explains the registration form that allows FMTs to declare their services and capacities, and an overview of the classification system, principles and standards. The definitions, process and technical details of the various requirements for teams to be registered are further elaborated. The classification and standards are designed for FMTs, but can also serve as guidance for developing domestic trauma response capacities. The FMTs are divided into three distinct categories and are expected to declare which category they belong; Type 1, 2 or 3 depending on their capacity and capability matched to the definition of each type, as well as any additional specialist services they can provide. Furthermore they are expected to confirm that they are able and willing to meet the guiding principles and adhere to the minimum standards. The FMT can then, following consultation with the receiving country, provide services within a functioning national hospital or health centre, or offer to bring a field facility with them. This registration process will greatly clarify, to both service providers as well as recipients of the assistance, what type of assistance is offered and will facilitate the on-site coordination. The approach to registration will seek to be inclusive rather than exclusive, with self-declared information on capacities and commitment to adhere to the FMT principles and core standards. If an FMT declares its capability to offer a specific type and declares any additional services, it also is expected to comply with the technical standards of this document related to those services