Jordan hosts groundbreaking multidisciplinary humanitarian response exercise

AMMAN — Amman is currently hosting the inaugural collaborative regional multidisciplinary humanitarian response exercise scheduled between 3-12 December. 

The simulation exercise, held at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC) is organised in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Harvard University. 

The training aimed at strengthening the capacities for multidisciplinary humanitarian response in the MENA region, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

According to the International Organisation for Migration, the annual training exercise, typically held at Harvard University, shifts its location for the first time to Jordan at the KASOTC.

Samar Al Mutawakel, the organisation's regional coordinator for emergency medical teams, said that the primary objective of the programme is to train future leaders from the MENA region and equip them with the essential skills to effectively prepare for and respond to complex humanitarian crises.

The training initiative brings together 65 professional and future leaders from 50 countries across the MENA region, alongside representatives from WHO's regional offices in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranea, according to Petra. It also engages 21 Jordanian professionals from various ministries and institutions, and an additional 100 volunteers from medical schools in four public universities. 

In addition, 35 speakers and facilitators from 20 countries will share their experiences with the participants during the simulation exercise.

"The knowledge acquired during the humanitarian lectures will be put into practice during a three-day field simulation exercise at the KASOTC, where the participants will engage in a multifaceted scenario involving disasters and conflicts, providing a unique opportunity for humanitarian workers to immerse themselves in a realistic humanitarian emergency."