BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Twenty-nine health and emergency response professionals have completed a three-day Rehabilitation in Disaster and Emergency Training Course that aims to strengthen Solomon Islands’ preparedness and response to disasters and health emergencies.
The training, held at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Conference Hall from June 23 to 25, was facilitated by a team from the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) in Darwin, Australia.
The course focused on improving the capacity of rehabilitation staff to respond effectively during disasters by prioritising patient care, strengthening coordination among rehabilitation services, and ensuring vulnerable groups, including people living with disabilities, have access to essential healthcare during emergencies.
The NCCTRC team travelled to Solomon Islands under the Regional Engagement Program funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The program delivers training across the Pacific region in areas such as incident medical management systems, emergency nursing care and disaster response.
Participants included nurses, physiotherapists, prosthetists, rehabilitation officers, logistics officers and representatives from provincial health services.
The training consisted of two days of Rehabilitation in Disaster and Emergency sessions and one day focused on Clinical Rehabilitation Skills.
Organisers said the training reinforced the importance of inclusive disaster risk reduction and emergency planning that takes into account the needs of women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups who face greater risks during disasters.
Through practical exercises and facilitated discussions, participants strengthened their knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness, coordination and response.
The training also equipped participants with the tools needed to support local disaster management plans and improve the delivery of rehabilitation services during emergencies.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Solomon Islands’ health emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
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