The Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC) was honored to actively participate in the IFRC-MENA Health and Care Workshop, held from October 1 to 3, 2024, in Amman, Jordan. This pivotal event brought together 13 National Societies (NSs) from the region, along with partners and technical experts, to align efforts with the IFRC Health and Care Framework 2030 and collectively shape a regional roadmap to address pressing health and care challenges.
The workshop was a fruitful platform for experience sharing, fostering collaboration, and generating actionable insights. It laid the groundwork for building a cohesive health strategy across the MENA region.
During our presentation, GFARC highlighted the following key topics:
- Vision 2030
Aligning with the IFRC’s overarching goals, we showcased our long-term first aid vision to expand access to first aid training and promote lifesaving practices universally.
- Guidelines 2025
We discussed the process of updating the International First Aid, Resuscitation and Education Guidelines 2025, which incorporate the latest scientific evidence to ensure high-quality and effective training programs.
- International First Aid Attestation (IFAA)
GFARC shared insights into the IFAA initiative, a transformative certification process enhancing the credibility and consistency of first aid education across National Societies. We shared the experience of NS who already obtained it (Lebanese Red Cross, Morocco Red Crescent, Saudi Red Crescent) and those who are in the process (Yemen Red Crescent and Algeria Red Crescent)
- International Education System (ToTs)
Our segment on the education system emphasized the importance of training Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) to strengthen first aid knowledge dissemination at all levels according to the international standards. We shared the new guidelines produced of level C and level B Trainers
- Universal First Aid Application
Finally, we unveiled the progress of the Universal First Aid Application, the digital tool that is designed to make lifesaving first aid information accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere. We talked about the new push notification that can help National Societies during emergencies.
The workshop underscored the importance of first aid as an integral component of community health and emergency preparedness. GFARC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting National Societies in the MENA region through innovative tools, evidence-based guidelines, and capacity-building initiatives.
As we move forward, we invite our network to collaborate and engage with GFARC to ensure that first aid knowledge reaches every community member, reinforcing our collective mission of saving lives and building resilience. Together, we can empower more individuals with the skills and confidence to make a difference.
