A training workshop on International Outbreak Response was conducted by WHO and the Global Outbreak, Alert and Response Network (GOARN) in Jakarta, 15-16 August. GOARN is an international and collaborative mechanism which engages the resources of technical agencies for rapid identification, confirmation, risk assessment, and response to public health emergencies of international importance.The two-day workshop was attended by representatives from ministries, universities, NGOs, and other agencies.
The workshop covered the following topics:introduction to GOARN, process for registration to the network, sharing of experiences on international deployment, outbreaks and international response, community interventions, personal well-being, and deployment process.
Drg Vensya Sitohang, Director of Surveillance and Health Quarantine of the Ministry of Health, discussed how GOARN, through WHO, assists in mobilizing resources for a country in coordinating outbreak responses. GOARN contributes to global health security by combating the spread of epidemics, amongst others, and ensures that immediate technical assistance is received by the country. It also contributes to the preparedness of a country through capacity building.She underlined the importance of joining GOARN and expressed her wish that experts from Indonesia will have the opportunity to join GOARN alongside those from other countries.
It was also highlighted during the workshop that contributions from South-East Asia are crucial in responding to emergencies within the region and sharing expertise and experiences gained during international deployments.
Indonesia is a WHO Member State that has committed to implement the International Health Regulations, and preparations are needed to allow GOARN to expand its network within the country, including providing training for institutions or professional organizations that will be involved in GOARN.
Following the workshop, subsequent activities will be coordinated between the Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office to facilitate GOARN membership for organizations and institutions in Indonesia.