50 Liberian Emergency Responders Complete AVoHC-SURGE Training to Enhance Crisis Preparedness.
Fifty Liberian professionals have successfully graduated from a one-month intensive AVoHC-SURGE training program aimed at bolstering the nation’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The program, supported by the Liberian government, the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government, focuses on improving rapid response capabilities during crises.
The AVoHC-SURGE training is part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Flagships roadmap and equips participants with vital skills in Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) management, Humanitarian and Health Cluster Coordination, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH) in emergencies, and Rapid Response Team (RRT) operations.
“This training ensures we are well-prepared to respond as a unified force when emergencies arise,” said Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Joseph B.N. Kowo Jr., Assistant Chief of Staff for Health Services of the Armed Forces of Liberia. “The military has historically played a critical role in public health emergencies, from Ebola to COVID-19 and beyond. I am honored to join the SURGE team and serve alongside such dedicated colleagues.”
The program emphasized rapid mobilization of human resources and effective response during the critical first 48 hours of a crisis.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, underscored the importance of the training. “This cohort represents a significant step forward in Liberia’s preparedness efforts,” Dr. Howe stated. “Our nation has faced numerous public health challenges, including Ebola and COVID-19, which highlight the urgent need for such initiatives.”
Dr. Musu Julie Duworko, representing WHO, commended the graduates for their commitment and dedication, noting that they are now part of the WHO emergency roster. This qualification enables them to be deployed for emergency responses within Liberia and to assist other nations in need.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the Liberian government, WHO, Africa CDC, and the Canadian government for supporting this vital initiative,” said Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kowo on behalf of the graduating cohort. “We are now better equipped to respond effectively to outbreaks within Liberia and across the region.”
The AVoHC-SURGE program integrates two key initiatives: Africa CDC’s African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) initiative and WHO’s Strengthening & Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE). This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment to enhancing Africa’s readiness to tackle public health emergencies and humanitarian crises.
As the new graduates join the ranks of trained emergency responders, Liberia strengthens its position as a leader in regional preparedness and response, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for its citizens and neighboring countries.
The AVoHC-SURGE program’s success underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between national governments, international organizations, and regional partners in building robust health systems capable of addressing crises swiftly and effectively. By empowering local professionals with advanced skills, the initiative aims to reduce response times, minimize the impact of health emergencies, and save lives.
The newly trained responders are expected to play a pivotal role in Liberia’s public health landscape. They will work closely with existing national emergency response systems, ensuring coordinated efforts during disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Their expertise will also be instrumental in enhancing community-level preparedness by engaging local stakeholders and raising public awareness about preventive measures.
Looking ahead, the government of Liberia, in collaboration with its partners, plans to expand the AVoHC-SURGE initiative. Future training sessions will aim to include more participants from diverse professional backgrounds, such as healthcare workers, logistics experts, and communication specialists, to create a multidisciplinary response force. This expansion aligns with the broader vision of building a self-reliant, well-prepared workforce to tackle emerging health threats across Africa.
Dr. Caullau J. Howe expressed optimism about the program’s future impact, stating, “This is just the beginning. With continued support and commitment, we can build a resilient health system that not only protects Liberians but also contributes to Africa’s collective security in public health.”
The graduates, now recognized as part of an elite network of emergency responders, have pledged to uphold the principles of service, professionalism, and dedication in their work. Their readiness to deploy both within Liberia and beyond reflects the Pan-African spirit of solidarity and mutual support that underpins the AVoHC-SURGE program.
As Liberia continues to face public health challenges, the strengthened capacity brought by these newly trained responders provides a beacon of hope. Their presence signals a significant step forward in safeguarding communities and ensuring that future crises are met with swift, organized, and effective responses.
