1. O VERVIEW OF THE P ANEL D ISCUSSION : P REPAREDNESS AND R ESPONSE IN H EALTH E MERGENCIES Fifth Session of Islamic Conference of Health Ministers Istanbul, Republic of Turkey, 17 – 19 Nov 2015

2. Objectives of the Panel Discussion: To raise awareness on the health emergency preparedness and responses; To review status and challenges of health emergency preparedness and responses in OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) Member States; To identify opportunities of collaboration and cooperation in health emergency preparedness and responses; To discuss way forward in overcoming challenges

3. Speakers

4. Dr. Baher Idris Abu Gharda Highlighted the importance of achievements in activities of thematic area 5. Putting strategies related to risk mitigation and preparedness for disaster on top of the agenda (working with countries top leaders) Look for reputable institutes with accredited programs to provide the training (focus on the experience of South-East Asian countries) Secure funds to implement these actions: look for funding agencies within the OIC

5. Dr. Baher Idris Abu Gharda Develop multidisciplinary rapid response teams for hazards that are not completely related to health, for example, chemical and radio nuclear hazards. A central Database should be created to record all health emergency related training at the regional level and capture relevant information. Challenges for implementation: Implementation depends on the availability of Fund

6. Dr. Muzaffer Akkoca Explained: – The Emergency and Disaster Management System of MoH. – Turkish National and Regional Disaster Plans including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases. – Capacity and capability of MoH of Turkey in international relief missions and practices all over the world.

7. Dr. Muzaffer Akkoca In order to improve health care personel competencies for disasters: – Standardised emergency and disaster medicine trainings for Islamic Countries – Islamic medical response teams for international operations – Emergency/disaster medicine training and simulation center

8. Prof. John Clemens Explained the the role of Centers of Excellence and the experience and achievements of ICDDR,B, Emphasized that the Centers of Excellence can play a key role in the dissemination of locally accumulated knowledge and experience, Would like to share their 30 years experience with member states of OIC.

9. Ali Akgül Highlighted the international health projects and reliefs of Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay); – SOUTH ASIA – INDONESIA (Dr. Zeinal Abidin Hospital Project) – SOUTH ASIA – SRI LANKA (Field Hospital) – PAKISTAN, SUDAN – NYALA AND DARFUR (Health Projects) – GAZA – PALESTINE (Medical Equipments/Supplies) – SOMALIA (Shifa Hospital) – SYRIA (Vaccine Transfer)

10. Dr. Michelle Gayer Strengthening Partnership; – Local, regional, national, international Highlighted the importance of; – Risk and capacity assessment – Multisectoral coordination and planning – Community resilience – Risk communication – Safe Hospitals Finance (investment preparedness)

11. Recommendation There is an urgent need for OIC Member States to improve their capacities in preparedness, collaboration and response areas.

12. Establish a special study group for disaster preparedness and risk reductionEstablish a special study group for disaster preparedness and risk reduction 1 Build emergency and disaster medicine training centers for all hazards approachBuild emergency and disaster medicine training centers for all hazards approach 2 Start efforts to provide financial funds for disaster preparednessStart efforts to provide financial funds for disaster preparedness 3 Call for Action