A training course on the points of entry assessment tools: core capacity requirements at designated airports, ports and ground crossings, kicked off today (Monday) at Novotel Muscat Airport.

The four-day training course is organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Directorate General of Diseases Surveillance & Control, Department of International Health Regulations & Port Health, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO).

H.E. Dr. John Jabbour, WHO Representative to the Sultanate of Oman, attended the launching of the national training course along with a number of MOH directors general, WHO international experts and lecturers, and medical staff working at the entry of points.

The training course and field visits aim to train the health workers at the points of entry on the mechanism of risk assessment, as well as emergency management and response at the points of entry.

Furthermore, the participants will pay field visits to the entry points, including Muscat International Airport, Sohar Seaport, and Hatta Ground Crossing in North Al-Batinah Governorate.

In his welcoming speech, the WHO Representative to the Sultanate of Oman touched upon the lessons learned from the Covid-19 experience, as significant numbers of passengers have been examined and returned a number of them. He added that the closure of entry points deeply impacted all aspects of life.

Dr. John Jabbour stressed that the Covid-19 pandemic revealed some gaps in pandemic preparedness, readiness, and response at the points of entry, which indicates the necessity to promote the core capacities of the workers at the points of entry, especially regards the implementation of the International Health Regulations.