The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and Sphere India in collaborative partnership with Department of Health & Family Welfare and JAG (Inter Agency Group) Nagaland supported by WHO, UNICEF, WFP and HCL Foundation organised a virtual Health Coordination Meeting on the 11th November 2020. The participants from NSDMA, H&FW, Sphere India, WHO, UNICEF, Faith Based Organizations including Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Nagaland Christian Revival Church Council and Diocese of Kohima Catholic Church, CIHSR, Childline, Inter Agency Group Nagaland, joined the meeting. The meeting was moderated by Khrolou Koza Lohe, State Training and Capacity Building Officer, NSDMA.
Dr. Henna Hejazi, 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.
Dr. Ashish Dadwal, Health Specialist, UNICEF NE gave a presentation on the Health Priorities of Nagaland State based on the available health data of the State. He highlighted the overall health indicators of Nagaland.
Dr. Ritu Chauhan, National Programme Officer, WHO India gave a comprehensive presentation on health preparedness and response speaking on how to take some of the learnings from COVID pandemic and use it for the future, looking at the world that is changing like never before. WHO India encourages each state to prepare an after action review and the best practices. She pointed many approaches for the longer health security.
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". He emphasized on the importance of proper Health System, with comprehensive risk management approach and stated that a resilient Health Infrastructure with a robust data and information systems areimportant to prepare and respond to both acute and chronic threats.
Johnny Ruangmei, OSD to the Government of Nagaland spoke on a multi sectoral approach to Emergency Response in the context of COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 is the single largest threat to the global health emergencies and global economic crisis. He stated that the State preparedness and the ability to manage the pandemic will only secure resilience towards sustainable development.
Chenithung Humtsoe, Executive Director Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre/Coordinator IAG (NL) spoke on the Role of NGOs in Nagaland working for the Health Sector and the work that's being done. He also mentioned the presence of sufficient manpower among the NGOs and extends ever ready support towards community health resilience:
Vikrant Mahajan, CEO; Sphere India shared on the way forward. He also explained about the Network Approach to Emergency Preparedness Response, the need to strengthen the IAG, network with the FBOs, CBOs.
Q & A session and Discussion followed which was started by Dr. Sedevi, Director, CIHSR who shared his input on the importance of involving institutes who can contribute very significantly for planning in the event of any disaster. Participants and panelists discussed many issues pertaining to enhancing the capacity of health emergency response in the State.
The NSDMA and Sphere India also announced that there will soon be a COVID-19 Academy for Nagaland a virtual platform with 10 session for the frontline workers, NGOs, FBOs, and DDMAs. The objective of the COVID-19 Academy is to develop scientific, technical knowledge and understanding about COVID 19 .amongst various stakeholders.
(DIPR)