gms | German Medical Science

This talk aims to share insights and strategies for capacity-building and training in essential pediatric care in regions exposed to humanitarian challenges, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Faced with political instability, conflict, displacement, and a high prevalence of infectious diseases, including emerging highly infectious diseases (e.g., Ebola, Lassa, Marburg virus diseases). Some of these challenges are exacerbated by the impact of climate change. Child and maternal mortality in vulnerable populations in these countries remains extremely high. Innovative and sustainable solutions to improve child health outcomes are required. Closing existing human resource gaps and supporting capacity building strategies is an important element in efforts directed to establishing resilient health systems in these contexts. The presentation will focus on key capacity-building strategies, including training local healthcare professionals through in-country workshops, distance learning, and e-learning, as well as collaborating with local medical institutions. Additionally, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and resources through the construction and renovation of facilities, provision of medical equipment and supplies, and strengthening supply chain management will be discussed. The presentation will also explore various training approaches, such as the training-of-trainers model, community health worker training, and simulation-based training, emphasizing their benefits and challenges. Furthermore, the crucial role of multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaboration with governments, NGOs, and private sector organizations will be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of sharing best practices and fostering knowledge exchange. The talk aims to inspire the international medical community to support capacity-building initiatives and invest in pediatric care in regions exposed to humanitarian challenges, expressing optimism for the future of child health in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative approaches and strong partnerships.