By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu – Bo City
On Friday, 16th January 2025, a two-day engagement on Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning concluded successfully at the OIC Hall on Dambala Road in Bo. The event brought together key stakeholders to review and update the region’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan.
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer, followed by brief remarks from representatives of CARE International, the Bo City Mayor, and the District Medical Officer (DMO), who was represented by the Matron. In their statements, all emphasized the critical role of the participants in ensuring a thorough review of the preparedness and response documents to enhance the region’s capacity to manage emergencies effectively.
Facilitators from the national level presented the existing disaster response framework, which served as the foundation for discussions. Participants were divided into three groups to analyze and provide recommendations for improving the plan.
During the group presentations, each team highlighted their findings, proposed amendments, and raised questions for clarification. A robust discussion followed, allowing for consensus on key issues and ensuring that the updated plan reflected the collective input of all attendees.
The engagement was described as a step towards strengthening Bo’s disaster preparedness, with stakeholders pledging to continue their collaboration in implementing the reviewed plan.
The event underscored the importance of community involvement, proactive planning, and coordination in mitigating the impact of emergencies within the region.
