Karbala Preparing for the Worst

- International Medical Corps Assists Karbala Authorities to Manage Crisis 01 May 2008 20:04:00 GMT
Source: International Medical Corps (IMC) - USA
Natalia Cieslik

Photo: IMC Contact: In Baghdad: Natalia Cieslik 964 7707934663 In Los Angeles: Stephanie Bowen 001 310 8267800 May 1, 2008,

Baghdad, Iraq - International Medical Corps (IMC) in partnership with the governorate of Karbala kicked off a series of crisis management training courses last week. Fifty high-level representatives from the local ministries of health, national security, migration, labor, tourism, electricity, civil defense, as well as senior delegates from the Iraqi police and other governorates, attended the first session.

Over the next two months the course will cover a variety of topics that will support local authorities to improve planning for crises and enable them to manage devastating scenarios efficiently. The inclusive approach will develop the quality of leadership, decision making, communication, and outreach to civil society under demanding circumstances.

"Bringing this training to Karbala is a major success for all sides," says Bushra Hassan Ashor, deputy chairwoman of the Karbala provincial council. "Everybody agrees that this course will help us to better coordinate our efforts in case of a crisis. We will be able to save more lives and manage emergencies more efficiently."

The southwest city of Karbala has experienced some of the deadliest attacks over the last four years. Widely renowned for being one of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims and a leading destination for millions of pilgrims each year, the city has also become a major target for sectarian violence.

In March 2004, on the holy day of Ashura, when up to two million worshippers visited the city, an assault killed 110 people and injured about 230. In January 2006 a suicide bomber killed at least 60 people and injured more than 100 near a Shia shrine. Scores have been killed and injured during attacks in 2006 and 2007.

Local administration and health services have been overwhelmed by the sudden demand for medical assistance and recognized the need for specific training to enhance its capacity. International Medical Corps conducted a similar training in Najaf last year and hopes to adapt it for other governorates in the nearer future. Emergency preparedness has been at the heart of an IMC multi-month initiative in Mosul where government officials have now drawn up a crisis plan for the Mosul dam.

"We are pleased that the Iraqi authorities and International Medical Corps managed to organize this training course jointly and through a cost-sharing model. It shows how important it is to the government to deliver services to people in need," says Agron Ferati, International Medical Corps country director in Iraq. "The need for this kind of assistance exists in almost every corner of Iraq. Despite the recent improvements in security, Iraqis need to be prepared to deal with setbacks."

The course was designed by International Medical Corps in cooperation with local counterparts. A highly skilled team of public and business administration professionals employed by IMC is conducting the training and supports decision makers in implementing efficient procedures. Karbala authorities have now decided to establish crisis management cells in all relevant authorities that will feed information to ministerial center during future emergencies.

Capacity training is a core element of International Medical Corps' work in Iraq. IMC has successfully implemented a strategy that addresses immediate human needs while promoting the ability of local and central authorities to improve governance and service delivery. IMC is also running a number of other capacity building and service improvement programs within the Ministries of Migration, Labor and Social Affairs, and Health - including managerial and professional development programs - by bringing international specialists into the country to train local counterparts from all over Iraq.