The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently conducted a pilot foundation course on public health emergency management as part of its National Training Plan. The program convened 72 participants representing various sectors involved in public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. The initiative aims to bolster national capacities and foster a common understanding of key principles in managing public health emergencies.

Dr. Soha Al Bayat, director of the Health Emergency Department at MoPH, explained that the course was developed in response to findings from the 2024 multisectoral training needs assessment and insights gathered during the 2025 National Health Emergency Management Training Plan Development Workshop. Both evaluations underscored the necessity for a unified national training framework focused on public health emergency management.

Dr. Al Bayat highlighted the strong engagement and active participation of attendees throughout the course. She noted that the outcomes of this pilot phase, along with lessons learned, will inform the refinement and formal approval of the curriculum prior to its expansion across the country.

The training program aligns with broader national efforts to establish a robust and sustainable system for public health emergency preparedness and response. It is designed to meet international standards and incorporate best practices, ensuring enhanced readiness to address future health crises.