#Switzerland #Geneva #WHO Foundation #Laerdal Global Health #Acute Care

Major Partnership to Boost Acute Care Training

On May 20, 2025, significant news emerged from the World Health Assembly held in Geneva, as Laerdal Global Health and the WHO Foundation jointly announced a transformative funding initiative aimed at revolutionizing acute care training in select African countries. The partnership entails an impressive $12.5 million investment, dedicated to enhancing medical emergency response capabilities.

The Need for Acute Care Training

In low- and middle-income nations, a staggering percentage of deaths—over half—could potentially be prevented through the implementation of effective emergency medical care. Recognizing this pressing challenge, Laerdal Global Health, alongside the WHO Foundation, has stepped forward with an ambitious plan to equip healthcare workers with the necessary training to tackle acute medical conditions that contribute significantly to mortality rates.

Key Aspects of the Partnership

The funding is earmarked to support the WHO's Basic Emergency Care (BEC) training program in 400 hospitals across three specified African nations. This initiative will utilize specially designed training kits that facilitate ongoing education in workplace settings, ensuring that medical personnel can continually refine and enhance their skills in responding to emergencies.

Additionally, the establishment of the Lifeline the Acute Care Action Fund aims to garner further support, with the goal of raising a total of $25 million to extend the program to 1,000 hospitals across five or more countries. This expanded initiative is projected to save approximately 50,000 lives each year, fundamentally altering the care landscape in these regions.

Historical Context and Proven Effectiveness

The origins of the Basic Emergency Care program date back to 2016, developed collaboratively by the WHO, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation for Emergency Medicine. Since its introduction, it has reached tens of thousands of health workers across over 60 nations. Studies have shown that hospitals implementing the BEC program have experienced reductions in mortality rates ranging from 34% to 50% for acute conditions such as pneumonia, road injuries, diabetic crises, and postpartum hemorrhages.

Expert Insights

Tore Laerdal, founder of Laerdal Global Health, expressed confidence in the potential of the Basic Emergency Care initiative by stating, "We know that the Basic Emergency Care program can reduce mortality from a range of acute conditions by up to 50 percent." He also emphasized the necessity of developing a new course model that incorporates simpler and more cost-effective training materials, enabling healthcare facilities to conduct regular refresher courses for staff.

Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General of the WHO, highlighted the critical importance of fostering robust health systems, noting that this support, especially in a time of tightened resources, will significantly influence global health outcomes. He asserted, "Strengthening health systems and supporting health workers to deliver effective acute care is essential to universal health coverage and health security."

A Call to Action for Global Support

In a world where funding for public health initiatives faces increasing challenges, this timely partnership signals a beacon of hope. Thomas Zeltner, Chair of the WHO Foundation, urged other philanthropic entities and partners to contribute to the Lifeline Acute Care Action Fund to support the widespread rollout of the BEC program. Such collaboration has the capacity to save millions of lives and enhance health outcomes in some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

About Laerdal Global Health

Laerdal Global Health stands as a non-profit entity devoted to lifesaving efforts in resource-limited settings. It seeks to empower healthcare workers by delivering accessible training and clinical solutions that ultimately improve health outcomes for mothers, newborns, and patients suffering from severe traumas, infections, and various acute medical conditions. Their goal aligns with a broader vision: to save one million additional lives annually by the year 2030.

About the WHO Foundation

The WHO Foundation operates out of Geneva, Switzerland, as an independent grant-making organization that advocates for critical global health issues. Through strategic partnerships and philanthropic engagement, it strives to address major health challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities around the globe.

This landmark partnership between Laerdal Global Health and the WHO Foundation promises to reshape emergency care in Africa and beyond, paving the way towards a healthier future for millions.