First Training in Africa on Effective Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management Underway
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and sister National Societies, is conducting the first-ever training in Africa focused on the effective operation of Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), in Addis Ababa.
The four-day training has brought together EOC coordinators, information management specialists, and technical experts from nine National Societies. It aims to strengthen the effectiveness of Emergency Operations Centers and enhance early warning, preparedness, and response capacities across participating National Societies.
Opening the training, the Director General for Disaster Preparedness and Response of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, Ato Mohamed Dada, emphasized that disasters and humanitarian crises are becoming increasingly frequent, complex, and interconnected. He noted that strong coordination, timely information, and effective decision-making are critical in addressing such challenges. He added that Emergency Operations Centers are not merely emergency response structures, but the heart of coordinated humanitarian action.
In his remarks to participants, Mads Ostergaard, Country Manager of the Danish Red Cross in Ethiopia, described the training as an important platform for mutual learning, experience sharing, and strengthening collective capacity to better serve communities affected by disasters and crises. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training upon returning to their respective countries.
Dr. Asha Mohammed, Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union and International Organizations, and Head of the Federation’s Ethiopia and Djibouti Cluster Delegation, also delivered a message through her representative.
The event also recognized the valuable support provided by the IFRC, as well as the Danish, Dutch, and German Red Cross in making the training a success.
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