Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In an enviable achievement, Senegal has become the first African country to receive the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification for its emergency medical team, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare history.
This classification recognizes Senegal’s Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) for meeting international EMT standards, enabling it to deploy within 72 hours to provide medical and surgical care to up to 2,500 patients globally for a four-week period.
Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, hailed this certification as a “real turning point” that consolidates the country’s position as a leader in health crisis management in Africa and beyond.
This achievement is the culmination of a rigorous six-year process, with WHO providing intensive technical and financial support since 2017.
The key highlights of this achievement include Global Recognition, where Senegal’s EMT ranks as the 49th classified team globally, with 130 others in process worldwide. Additionally, the team boasts ‘Rapid Response’ capabilities, deploying within 72 hours to provide medical and surgical care to up to 2,500 patients globally.
The EMT team members are also self-sufficient, trained to work in challenging conditions and establish fully self-contained field hospitals. Furthermore, Senegal has demonstrated Regional Expertise, having already deployed teams to respond to health crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, congratulated Senegal on this milestone, emphasizing the crucial role emergency medical teams play in saving lives during crises.
This classification is part of WHO’s Emergency Medical Teams 2030 strategy, envisioning a world where every country can respond rapidly and effectively to national emergencies.
