The Ministry of Health has concluded a 10-day capacity-building programme in Songwe Region aimed at strengthening emergency medical services, intensive care and preparedness for Ebola and other public health emergencies.
The exercise, carried out by the Ministry's Department of Emergency and Disaster Services between July 8 and July 18, 2026, focused on improving the readiness of Momba District Hospital and other health facilities to respond to medical emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks.
The programme combined workplace-based practical training for health workers with assessments of emergency and critical care services, alongside evaluations of the preparedness of hospitals and health centres to manage disease outbreaks, including Ebola.
Health professionals specialising in emergency medicine, intensive care and ambulance services worked with emergency physicians and critical care nurses from the Ministry to train frontline healthcare workers from Momba District Hospital and other facilities across Songwe Region.
The practical sessions were designed to strengthen the skills of healthcare workers in providing timely, safe and quality care to critically ill and injured patients, while improving the capacity of health facilities to respond effectively during health emergencies.
The Ministry also conducted a comprehensive assessment of emergency and intensive care services at Momba District Hospital and selected health centres.
The review examined the availability and functionality of isolation rooms for suspected or confirmed Ebola cases, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the condition and use of equipment supporting emergency and critical care services.
The assessment forms part of the government's broader efforts to ensure health facilities remain prepared to detect, isolate and manage infectious disease threats while maintaining quality emergency care.
The Ministry said it will continue investing in continuous professional training, routine service evaluations and improvements to emergency, trauma and intensive care systems to strengthen the country's health sector and ensure patients receive prompt and safe treatment during medical emergencies and disease outbreaks.
