Implementing Exercise Programs for Facilities Working with High Consequence Pathogens

BEP–CRDF Global­ Sponsored Workshop
David Farris and Cara Leitch
May 30, 2016
Sokhalay Angkor Resort & Spa
Siem Reap, Cambodia

A day prior to the 11th A-PBA Conference, a workshop was slated for the participants who were sponsored by the CRDF Global. The workshop was Implementing Exercise Programs for Facilities Working with High Consequence Pathogens that was led by the expertise of the people from George Mason University ­– Mr. David Farris and Cara Leitch.

For workshop classes with groups from various parts of the Asia-Pacific, it was already given that the whole class would be divided by country of origin. The Philippines had eight delegates coming from different institutions that are in the forefront of biosecurity, biosafety, and biorisk management.

HSEEP

The workshop kicked off by explaining to the participants the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), which is used as a guiding principle for exercise programs, because these “are a key component of national preparedness”. Furthermore, it was discussed that exercise program management is the “overseeing and integrating a variety of exercises over time”. Next would be the exercise design and development, which serves to shape the key concepts and planning consideration. Later in the day, the participants of the workshop would be taught about exercise conduct and the importance of exercise evaluation. Group exercises were given after each topic, making sure that the participants understand and correctly apply the different approaches that were taught.

A Sample of Exercise

Before the workshop ended, four persons were made to present (as according to the survey prior to the Conference) their institution’s exercise program. One of the presenters was Dr. Martin Moreno, BRAP President, who discussed a published article entitled The Philippines’ First Biohazard Spill Response Drill at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The workshop ended by the awarding of certificates to the participants.