Kohima, November 11 (MExN): A virtual Health Coordination Meeting was organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and Sphere India in collaborative partnership with Department of Health & Family Welfare and lAG (Inter Agency Group) Nagaland on November 11.
The meeting was also supported by WHO, UNICEF, WFP and HCL Foundation, an NSDMA release informed.
Apart from the representatives of the aforesaid entities, members of faith-based organisations (FBOs) including Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Nagaland Christian Revival Church Council and Diocese of Kohima Catholic Church, and other such as CIHSR, Childline, Inter Agency Group Nagaland, joined the meeting.
The meeting was moderated by Khrolou Koza Lohe, State Training and Capacity Building Officer, NSDMA,while Dr Henna Hejaz', Senior Manager, Sphere India briefed the participants about the coordination meeting and the objective of the meeting.
“The key purpose of the meeting was to identify gaps and to enhance the capacity in emergency response in the State of Nagaland,” she said.
Dr Ashish Dadwal, Health Specialist, UNICEF NE gave a presentation on the overall health indicators of Nagaland.
Dealing health preparedness and response, Dr Ritu Chauhan, National Programme Officer, WHO India, highlighted how experiences from COVID-19 pandemic can use it for the future.
WHO India encourages each state to prepare an after action review and the best practices, she said.
Dr Nyanthung Kikon, State Nodal Officer, IDSP, DHFW, Nagaland spoke on the impact of COVID 19 in the state Nagaland and how the Government of Nagaland is working towards the containment of the pandemic.
He stated that contract tracing and surveillance is the bedrock of COVID 19 containment strategies.
Dr Kikameren Longkumer, Dy. Director, DHFW, Nagaland presented on "Strategic Health Infrastructure for emergencies" where emphasised on the importance of proper Health System, with comprehensive risk management approach.
A resilient Health Infrastructure with a robust data and information systems are important to prepare and respond to both acute and chronic threats, he underscored,.
Meanwhile the release informed that the OSD to the Government of Nagaland, NSDMA Johnny Ruangmei spoke on a multi sectoral approach to Emergency Response in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and noted that preparedness and the ability to manage the pandemic will only secure resilience towards sustainable development.
Chenithung Humtsoe, Executive Director Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre/Coordinator lAG (NL) spoke on the Role of NGOs in Nagaland working for the Health Sector and the work that's being done.
The way forward for Network Approach to Emergency Preparedness Response, the need to strengthen the IAG, network with the FBOs, CBOs was shared by Vikrant Mahajan, CEO, Sphere India.
A Q & A session and discussion followed the presentations where Dr Sedevi , Director CIHSR, shared his input on the importance of involving institutes who can contribute significantly for planning in the event of any disaster.
Participants and panellists discussed many issues pertaining tci enhancing the capacity of health emergency response in the State, the release said.
