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Health Disaster Management Unit

The Health Disaster Management Unit of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment started after Irma in September 2017. Presently, the Unit is in transition. Leadership support continues from Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and the Chief Medical Officer and the Health Disaster Executive Committee and National Office of Disaster Services. Those in the Unit also provide health disaster preparedness and prevention and response technical support to the Ministry of Health.

Leadership

Lori-Ann Henry-Johnson

Health Disaster Coordinator

List of duties the office is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that all Ministry of Health departments are health disaster ready – e.g draft and coordinate preparedness plan approvals and improve plans by organizing drills and participating in drills.
  • Conduct workshops based on health disaster risk and readiness.
  • Assist in promoting health disaster readiness through the different media platforms.
  • Prepare for and conduct intersectorial Mass Casualty Management training courses and refresher courses and keep a registry of those trained in case their skills are needed.
  • Plan and prepare for any possible health disasters and known health risks in the community.
  • Conduct and participate in meetings with the Health Disaster committees so everyone is informed across the board.
  • Work along/liaison with the National Office of Disaster Services and other Regional and International Organizations e.g PAHO in whatever way possible to be ready to respond to all hazards and be on alert with any disease outbreak nationally, regionally and internationally so as to quickly prepare or respond to aid in controlling the spread of such.

The ideal composition of the Unit should be at least three workers :

1

  1. The Senior Medical Officer for Health Disaster Coordination and Communications who reports to the Chief Medical Officer through the Medical Officer of Health.

2

  1. The Liaison Officer who should report to the Permanent Secretary through the Senior Medical Officer responsible for Health Disaster Coordination and Communications.

3

The Administrative Assistant to assist with the secretarial support needed for the Unit.

 

Acts

Contact Information

Dr. Lori-Ann Henry-Johnson
SMO for Health Disaster Coordination and Communications
General Medical Division
Church Street
St. John’s, Antigua.

Tel: 268.462.1493
Mobile: 268.727.4890, 268.464.5301
Mondays – Thursdays  8:00am – 4:30pm
Fridays 8:00am – 3:00pm