Dakar – Senegal has achieved a significant milestone in emergency response capacity in Africa. It has become the first country in the continent to receive World Health Organization (WHO) classification for its emergency medical team, demonstrating its readiness to deploy and respond to health crises worldwide.

The classification of Senegal’s Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is in accordance with international standards. The team can now be deployed within 72 hours to provide medical and surgical care for up to 2500 patients affected by health emergencies for a period of four weeks, following a thorough six-year process. Senegal’s EMT is the 49th to be classified globally, with 130 others currently undergoing the process.

“This certification marks a significant milestone for Senegal and the African Region as a whole,” said a WHO official. “It demonstrates the country’s commitment to building its emergency response capacity and being prepared to assist in addressing health emergencies globally.”