EMPHNET conducted a Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) Training in Kiev, Ukraine between March 14 and 18, 2016 at the National Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IVM). Jointly organized with CRDF Global and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), EMPHNET’s training is the third to be held in Ukraine for the purpose of strengthening the country’s capacity for disease detection and outbreak response.

The intensive five-day training featured discussions and presentations on health emergencies, rapid assessment, RRTs, surveillance, and information management in emergencies. This was accompanied by the presentation of a case study of relevance to RRTs related to Anthrax outbreak.

EMPHNET’s trainings in Ukraine provide significant support to Ukraine’s public health response capability. The trainings harmonize national strategies for rapid assessment and outbreak investigation by facilitating communication channels among the Ministry of Health, animal health focal points, and regulatory authorities across regions of Ukraine.

Interviews from the Event:

Ms. Galyna Romanko
Chief Specialist- Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases
The State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of Ukraine

Ms. Romanko notes that this workshop has been an opportunity to refresh participants’ knowledge of the international practices and principles of rapid response teams.  She further states that it has been of specific benefit to Ukraine, as the country is planning to reform its Center of Sanitary Epidemiology and Veterinary Services. Such trainings can help enhance the services offered by the center to cater to human and animal health, as well as the environment. She adds that the workshop has been beneficial to her line of work, especially discussions of issues related to refugee camps. Ms. Romanko highlights the fact that Ukraine might encounter the refugee situation in light of the circumstances the region is facing today.

Mr. Radii Shevchenko
Director of the Emergency and Crisis Center-Dnepropetrovsk
Ministry of Health-Ukraine

Mr. Shevchenko states that this workshop has offered practical value because its facilitators have experience in emergency situations in one of the world’s most warring places. According to Mr. Shevchenko, this workshop will benefit him in his line of work as Ukraine is currently dealing with a large-scale situation of bioterrorism-the result of the conflict in the country that started in May, 2014. He adds that, in Ukraine, there are numerous outdated procedures adopted-in terms of rapid response- which compromise the efficacy of rapid response in the country. This workshop introduced new, effective procedures that can be used instead. After the workshop, Mr. Shevchenko plans to share the ideas and concepts discussed in the workshop with his colleagues to start an effective rapid response group in Dnepropetrovsk.