Radio-nuclear safety is rising on the global security agenda, and it is essential that national stakeholders are made aware of all possible risks and threats. The 5-day training course “Radiological and nuclear hazards – preparedness and response to accidental and terrorist events and emergencies”, which took place in Ankara, Türkiye, aimed to improve capabilities in this area.
This was the first joint effort between the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participated, and the course was run in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Health and high-level staff from relevant agencies at central and provincial levels. Participants attended from the Turkish Ministry of Health and Ministry of National Defence, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye (AFAD), the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, and provincial health directorates.
Ms Maria Eugenia Rettori, Head of the UNCCT Unit on Preventing and Responding to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism, expressed hope that “our collaboration will bring concrete results and enhance the capabilities of the participating Turkish national entities”.
Dr Irshad Shaikh, a.i. Head of the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies, emphasized, “Preparedness for radio-nuclear safety is very important. With different stakeholders participating from across different sectors, this training helps us to strengthen intersectoral coordination while addressing radio-nuclear safety from different angles and perspectives. A simulation exercise also provided an opportunity for participants to put their knowledge into practice.”
WHO and UNCCT plan to join forces soon to implement national and intercountry training sessions on radio-nuclear, chemical and biological safety.