Health workers in Fiji’s Western Division are ramping up their readiness for disease outbreaks through an extensive three-day Divisional Outbreak Response Training (DORT). This training initiative is especially important as the region is set to enter a high-risk wet season, which typically sees a rise in disease transmission.
The annual training draws participants from a broad spectrum of frontline health services, including doctors, nurses, laboratory personnel, health inspectors, and public health officers from health facilities situated in Sigatoka, Nadi, Rakiraki, Tavua, Lautoka, and Ba. By collaborating as a cohesive unit, attendees are sharpening their abilities to quickly identify and respond to communicable disease threats, particularly those tied to heavy rainfall and flooding events.
Organized through a partnership between the Fiji Centre for Disease Control and the Environmental Health Unit, this training benefits significantly from technical assistance provided by the World Health Organization. The sessions emphasize practical strategies for effective outbreak response. Participants learn to enhance disease surveillance, analyze health data competently, conduct precise laboratory tests, improve clinical care, and implement successful public health interventions.
A pivotal aim of the training is to create outbreak response plans that are tailored specifically to the needs of each division. These individualized plans will support swift decision-making and improve coordination during health crises, ultimately bolstering the Western Division’s preparedness for emerging infectious disease threats.
This forward-thinking approach not only seeks to safeguard community health across Fiji but also underscores a dedication to fortifying health systems to effectively navigate future challenges, fostering resilience in the face of potential health crises.