The Ministry of Health and Population organized a specialized training program to enhance the capabilities of quarantine personnel in the field of psychological support, contributing to strengthening the health security system and improving their readiness to deal with arrivals through ports of entry.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry’s official spokesperson, explained that the program was implemented for quarantine personnel responsible for receiving and dealing with arrivals in Aswan and North Sinai governorates.
The program was coordinated between the General Administration of Quarantine and the Central Administration for Mental Health, in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as part of efforts to strengthen the system’s preparedness and improve the capabilities of healthcare workers at ports of entry.
He added that the program was held over four days in Cairo and targeted around 40 healthcare providers, including physicians, health inspectors, and nursing staff. The aim was to enhance their knowledge and skills in psychological support and improve their ability to identify the psychological needs of target groups at an early stage and respond to them appropriately. This contributes to improving the quality of healthcare services provided, enhancing the efficiency of health and psychological responses, and supporting the ability of quarantine teams to provide integrated services that take into account health, psychological, and humanitarian aspects.
Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, emphasized that the quarantine system represents the first line of defense for protecting public health and addressing health risks and infectious diseases that cross borders. He noted the Ministry’s commitment to continuously developing the capabilities of healthcare personnel working at ports of entry to ensure the provision of integrated healthcare services that meet the health and psychological needs of different groups.
He added that investing in the training and qualification of human resources is one of the key pillars of strengthening the preparedness of the healthcare system, particularly in dealing with the groups most in need. He also stressed the importance of integration among the Ministry’s various sectors and international partners to provide a comprehensive health and humanitarian response for arrivals.
Dr. Rady Hammad, Head of the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector, explained that the program is part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of quarantine personnel and strengthen their ability to deal with various health situations and challenges, particularly given the pivotal role played by quarantine teams in receiving and monitoring travelers and arrivals through ports of entry.
News source: The National Media Authority online portal
