A three-day workshop was held at Hotel Jen from 13 to 15 October to strengthen the Maldives’ preparedness and response to potential chemical and biological emergencies.
The workshop aimed to enhance the technical capabilities of emergency response teams and relevant institutions, improve the identification of potential hazards, clarify institutional roles and establish a stronger framework for coordinated action.
Fifty officials from relevant institutions participated in the workshop, which was officially concluded by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.
The workshop was organised jointly by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its Regional Office.
Discussions focused on developing practical and technical skills in risk assessment, information sharing, the use of protective equipment, establishing standards for emergency treatment and decontamination. Participants also identified priorities for strengthening national response plans and standard operating procedures.
The HPA noted that the release of chemical or biological substances following an incident, the spread of infectious diseases and exposure to toxic materials can pose serious threats to public health. It stressed the importance of swift, coordinated action by relevant institutions in such situations.
The agency said the workshop would improve institutional awareness of preparedness and response procedures and strengthen the country’s capacity for coordinated action at the national level.
The HPA added that further workshops and training programmes were planned to continue improving preparedness and response capabilities.