site.btaBulgarian, Canadian Red Cross Organizations Take Part In Training for Mobile Health Team Preparedness

The Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC), in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, conducted a training programme aimed at building and preparing mobile health teams. More than 40 representatives took part, including members of mobile health teams, the National Rescue Team for Disasters, Accidents and Catastrophes, and regional BRC structures, the organization said.

The training placed a strong emphasis on community-level prevention, early symptom recognition, protective measures (including for volunteers), disinfection and vaccination. It also drew on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the programme, participants discussed the development of a draft BRC framework for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.

The initiative was delivered under a joint programme between the BRC and their Canadian counterparts to establish mobile health teams. Partners included representatives from the Global Health, Resilience and Research Directorate of the Canadian Red Cross, as well as an expert from the Health and Care department at the headquarters of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva.

During the training, participants reviewed the Federation's policies and approaches on epidemic and pandemic preparedness, shared the Canadian Red Cross's experience, and explored strategies for mobile health team readiness and response. Discussions also covered risks linked to climate change, methods for assessing health vulnerability, and anticipatory action approaches through scenario planning.

Epidemics pose a serious challenge to public health, as they often develop rapidly, place a significant strain on healthcare systems, and require coordinated action at local, national and international levels, the Bulgarian Red Cross said. In this context, prevention and timely preparedness are of critical importance for limiting the spread of disease and minimizing its impact. Strengthening public awareness, fostering sustainable health-protective habits, and training professionals and volunteers all play a key role in ensuring an effective response during crises, the BRC added.