DOMINICA
HEALTH
• Director General of the Dominica Red
Cross, Kathleen Pinard Byrne attended a workshop
on Avian Influenza in March. The purpose of the
meeting was to develop a national Avian Influenza
Plan. The workshop was facilitated by a consultant
from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)
and an outline of the plan was presented together
with the intended activities to be implemented
by key stakeholders in collaboration with the
public authorities. A further draft of an existing
plan will be presented in the coming months for
affirmation by all key partners.
NETWORK MEETING
• The Dominica Red Cross hosted a Disaster
Management (DM) network meeting on March 8 and
9 which included Gavin White, PIRAC Co-ordinator
as an observer. The inclusion of participating
National Societies as observers in the planning
process was found to add a broader perspective
to the process, one that is to be encouraged wherever
possible.
HURRICANE SEASON
• With hurricane season fast approaching,
the Dominica Red Cross’ DM team has been
called upon to advise and comment on disaster
preparedness plans of private sector entities.
An established offshore medical school with over
1300 students has more recently invited the advisory
participation of Red Cross in the disaster preparedness
plan preparation. The training of 40 personnel
in First Aid and Basic Life Skills was also provided
by the Red Cross.
|
