WHO assists Sri Lanka in strengthening emergency preparedness and response

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Sri Lanka’s disaster management sector to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, according to the Ministry of Defence.

WHO Sri Lanka is supporting the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) with programs including technical and financial support in the adaptation of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) training and the capacity building of district-level Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) to strengthen emergency preparedness for response, the Ministry said.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Razia Pendse meeting with Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry on 18 November had handed over a set of equipment to the Defence Secretary.

During the occasion, the WHO representative had emphasised the importance of sustainable emergency preparedness in protecting people from health emergencies, one of WHO’s top priorities.

The Defence Secretary, while commending the WHO’s efforts for a healthy world, thanked WHO Sri Lanka for the assistance to the disaster management sector. The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sudantha Ranasinghe and National Professional Officer of WHO Dr Sapumal Dhanapala also joined the occasion.