When populations are affected by a humanitarian crisis, the needs for immediate rehabilitation care for injuries or illness are considerable. Indeed, a rapid response is vital to prevent the onset of permanent disabilities. 

To provide a better response to the healthcare needs of these populations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has put in place the Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) system. It is within this framework that we have just been accredited as a Specialised Emergency Rehabilitation Team during a verification exercise. 

The verification exercise is a full-scale application designed to prepare the teams to intervene effectively in humanitarian crisis situations. It was during this exercise that the WHO representatives were able to assess and confirm that the protocols and operating procedures put in place by the HI teams complied with the quality criteria of the emergency medical team system. 

This certification will enable us to be even more responsive to those who need it 

Being part of the WHO's emergency medical teams enables us to : 

• to be even faster in our emergency response, 
• improve the quality of health services provided by national and international emergency medical teams, 
• and strengthen the capacity of national health systems, for those who need it most. 

This milestone marks a major step forward for HI 

This certification is recognition of HI's expertise in emergency rehabilitation. It recognises our expertise in emergency physical rehabilitation in crisis situations. It also strengthens our ability to intervene quickly and effectively, while ensuring high standards in physical rehabilitation, logistics and WASH (Water, Hygiene and Sanitation). We are the second Specialized Care Team (SCT) in emergency physical rehabilitation to be qualified by the WHO.