8 March 2021 - WHO delivered an introductory intensive care unit (ICU) training workshop to 14 participants selected from different regions of Somalia as an introduction to the fundamentals of critical care management to help build technical and clinical competencies in the management of critically ill patients and develop skills in operating life support equipment, while making the best use of existing resources.

The 5-day pilot training that took place between 14 and 18 February 2021 in Hargeisa, Somaliland, was designed to cover critical care practice and skills adapted to the needs of participants and local Ministry of Health resources, and pave the way for further critical care capacity-building. It also helped identify local instructors for further ICU training and capacity-building and identify sites for an ICU simulation and training centre.

The 6 doctors and 8 nurses who participated in the training learnt critical care management, including life support, through lectures and hands-on skill sessions based on technical standards and best practices. Case scenarios and group discussions along with a standardized life support curriculum provided them with a solid introduction to critical care management to help facilitate future learning.

Each participant received 3 reference books as resource materials, and a virtual group was established through the smart phone app Signal, so facilitators and participants will be able to continue sharing their experiences and exchange knowledge after completion of the workshop.

Continuing from this 5-day programme, WHO and the Ministry of Health are working with local institutions to develop a long-term strategy for critical care capacity-building. This includes the development of a specialty training programme in critical care with country ownership and multi-organizational support and monitoring. As a start, an ICU simulation and training centre equipped with basic ICU training tools is planned to begin operations in the next few months.