Strengthening Response Capacities of Deployed Medical Personnel

This project focuses on addressing the critical gap in the basic medical training of women and men uniformed medical personnel deployed to the top five high-threat UN peacekeeping missions in order to limit injuries and fatalities of peacekeepers when they occur. This training works to encompass the physical dimensions of Level 1 medical assistance and the psychological dimensions of trauma potentially reducing the consequences of combat stress reactions and post-traumatic stress disorders with a particular emphasis on responses to sexual and gender-based violence. Project activities include: (1) conducting a needs assessment in each of the eight countries (Burkina Faso Chad Ethiopia Ghana Niger Rwanda Senegal Togo); (2) tailoring the training materials to specific gaps identified in the needs assessments; (3) delivering a training of trainers workshop; (4) delivering eight training courses to women and men uniformed medical personnel; and (5) designing and implementing an online platform to provide advice and mentoring to those trained participants.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced physical and mental well-being of women and men military and police personnel deployed to UN peace operations; and (2) strengthened knowledge skills and behavior of women and men medical personnel (military and police) deployed to the top five high-risk United Nations peacekeeping operations.