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Malteser International, the Order’s international relief agency announces WHO certification

Organisation joins WHO registry to respond to emergencies around the world

Cologne, 26 November 2018

Malteser International emergency medical team In action

Malteser International announces its emergency medical team (EMT) has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO), following a verification site visit by representatives from the WHO on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

“With the EMT certification, we are making an important contribution to strengthening the United Nations emergency response system,” says Sid Peruvemba, Programme Director, Malteser International.

What EMT classification means

As a WHO-certified EMT, Malteser International is now be part of the WHO’s global registry and can be requested to respond to emergencies around the world.

“Our teams can now be rapidly deployed within 72 hours of a natural disaster, or in the event of a serious outbreak of disease or conflict. The EMT Type 1 classification means that we are equipped to set up a basic healthcare unit to treat around 100 patients a day,” explains Oliver Hochedez, Head, Emergency Relief department, Malteser International.

The EMT team

Malteser International EMT consists of a group of health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives, and paramedics) and logisticians and experts in water, sanitation, and hygiene. The team is deployable for short-term relief missions, and is required to be logistically self-sufficient so as not to burden the national system of the country affected.

The WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative was introduced in 2016 to set minimum standards for medical teams from international organisations in sudden onset emergencies and to build capacity and strengthen health systems by coordinating the deployment of quality assured interventions.