Source : WAM
The “Emirati-Syrian Readiness” programme was officially launched yesterday in Damascus, the capital of Syria. The initiative aims to strengthen the efficiency of Syria’s health sector in responding to emergencies and disasters by training and qualifying 10,000 frontline healthcare workers over the next five years.
This goal will be achieved through a unified, internationally accredited curriculum developed by the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, in collaboration with specialised training centres in the UAE, the U.S., and Europe.
The programme was inaugurated at a press conference, during which a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Syrian Ministry of Health and the Readiness Academy.
Syrian Minister of Health, Musab Al-Ali, highlighted that the Syrian Readiness Programme will foster partnerships between health institutions, attract experts, and implement initiatives aimed at developing the health sector. This includes investing in human capital and training certified trainers according to global best practices over a five-year operational plan. The plan incorporates specialised scientific curricula based on international standards, aiming to enhance the medical sector’s ability to respond efficiently to critical situations.
He added that the programme focuses on improving hospital readiness, training national trainers, and utilising advanced simulation technologies to handle a variety of emergency scenarios. Al-Ali reaffirmed the Syrian Ministry of Health’s commitment to implementing the MoU and achieving shared goals to serve the health needs of the Syrian people while strengthening the national healthcare system’s capacity for rapid and effective crisis response.
Dr. Adel Al-Shamry Al-Ajami, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative, Chairman of Emirates Doctors, and Head of the Emirates National Readiness & Response Programme – Jaheziya, stated that the Syria Readiness Programme is designed to build national preparedness, enhance medical response efficiency, standardise procedures, and provide advanced training to strengthen hospital capacities and ambulance services.
He explained that the programme targets healthcare workers in public and private hospitals, first responders from ambulance services and national defence, and emergency teams. Al-Ajami noted that the UAE Medical Preparedness and Response Programme has previously trained over 20,000 frontline healthcare workers in UAE hospitals, significantly enhancing medical preparedness and hospital readiness. He stressed that the initiative aims to transfer Emirati expertise in medical preparedness and response to friendly nations, helping them elevate their health sectors and provide services according to international standards.
Dr. Iyad Baath, Director-General of the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, noted that the programme seeks to train and qualify 10,000 frontline healthcare workers, using modern scientific methods and internationally recognised standards with a focus on sustainable national capacity building. The programme will begin with a three-month pilot phase, training 200 healthcare professionals.
He added that a joint committee has been established, including representatives from the Syrian Ministry of Health and the National Training Academy, to manage and oversee the Emirati-Syrian Medical Readiness Programme. The committee will also qualify national Syrian medical personnel responsible for sustaining training programmes and developing the readiness of hospitals, ambulance teams, and field medical teams.
