To support health emergency response planning in Kazakhstan, WHO trained over 20 emergency professionals in assessing and prioritizing the risks of hazards in the country and in developing contingency plans. A strategic risk assessment tool is used to guide risk-informed programming that will catalyse action to prevent and prepare for hazard risks, and reduce the level of risks associated with a particular hazard and its consequences for health.
Bringing all sectors together
The training, held from 12–14 November 2019 in Borovoe, Kazakhstan, brought together participants from a variety of government agencies ranging from the Ministry of Health, Committee of Emergency Situations under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Committee of Veterinary Control, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Civil Defense.
Using the strategic risk assessment tool (STAR) developed by WHO, participants jointly identified high-, medium- and low-priority hazards and developed a sample contingency plan. The results of the workshop will be shared with relevant ministries for their further review and actions.
Strategic risk assessment (STAR) – methodical approach to prioritizing risks
WHO developed the strategic risk assessment (STAR) tool to support countries to identify and prioritize risks, which then leads to the development of emergency preparedness, response and contingency plans and their implementation. This approach involves interagency emergency planning for all natural and technological hazards, such as earthquakes, infectious diseases and industrial accidents.