African Public Health Security

December 27: A Crucial Day for African Health Security

 

Strengthening Preparedness: The Vital Involvement of STAARMUC in Togo

December 27 marks the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, a date proclaimed by the United Nations to underscore the global imperative to invest in the prevention, detection, and rapid response to health threats. More than a simple commemoration, this day is a vibrant call to action, particularly for nations like Togo and specialized organizations such as the Togolese Society of Anesthesia-Resuscitation and Emergency and Disaster Medicine (STAARMUC). For a structure that is at the forefront of health crisis management, this day is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the essential link between specialized emergency medicine and public health security.

 

Beyond Response: The Art of Anticipation

Recent history, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recurrence of hemorrhagic fever epidemics in West Africa, has highlighted an undeniable truth: preparedness is the cornerstone of health resilience. Waiting for a crisis to strike before mobilizing resources is a costly strategy, both in human lives and in economic and social stability.

 

The Lessons of Previous Crises

The creation of this day directly stems from the painful lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis. It reminds us that health systems must be continually evaluated and strengthened, not only at the primary care level but especially in critical care and triage capacity during overload situations. The mandate of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) now emphasizes the importance of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the necessity for every country to have updated and regularly tested emergency plans.

 

The Specific Role of Emergency and Disaster Medicine

This is where STAARMUC's expertise becomes fundamental. Epidemic preparedness is not limited to vaccine distribution or awareness campaigns; it encompasses the system's ability to manage the massive influx of critically ill patients.

 

The Triptych of Crisis Intervention

  1. Anesthesia-Resuscitation: The capacity to ventilate, stabilize hemodynamic status, and ensure vital functions is critical for severe cases (whether it's respiratory distress from a viral epidemic or septic shock). STAARMUC, through its training, ensures that this essential link in care is robust.
  2. Emergency Medicine: It ensures effective triage and rapid patient orientation. In the event of an epidemic, the emergency department is the first filter to isolate suspected cases and prevent propagation within healthcare facilities themselves.
  3. Disaster Medicine: This domain, at the core of STAARMUC's mission, concerns the planning of responses to disasters (natural, technological, or epidemic). It involves training personnel to work under pressure, establishing clear chains of command, and simulating scenarios to identify bottlenecks before a crisis occurs.

By promoting these skills, STAARMUC works directly towards the autonomy and lasting resilience of the Togolese health system in the face of any major event.

 

The Stakes for Togo and West Africa

In a region where land borders are porous and where climatic and socio-economic challenges can exacerbate the spread of diseases, preparedness is an imperative of sovereignty.

The Day of December 27 is an opportunity to draw attention to local investments that make a difference:

  • Strengthening Intensive Care Units (ICUs): These units are the last line of defense against mortality in a crisis.
  • Continuing Education: Ensuring that health personnel, from doctors to nurses, master protocols for managing highly contagious diseases and advanced resuscitation techniques.
  • Simulation: Organizing crisis simulation exercises to test coordination between emergency services, resuscitation, and health authorities.

By celebrating the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, STAARMUC is not only participating in a global event; it is asserting its central role in building a better-protected Togo, capable of transforming every emergency into a managed and controlled intervention.