PAHO launches the virtual course “Health Technologies Management” to build capacity in Haiti

Haiti health workers

Washington DC, 22 September 2021 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launches the first French version of the virtual course “Health Technology Planning and Management” for Haiti on PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health

The course, a joint effort with the University of Vermont, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center for Health Technology Management, seeks to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of healthcare technology planning and management, assessment, budgeting, acquisition, deployment, education/training, patient safety, maintenance, and replacement/disposal of biomedical equipment.

During 12 weeks, participants representing all 10 departments of Haiti (Artibonite, Centre, Grand’Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud-Est et Sud) including several not-for-profits and public institutions such as the Ministry of Public Health and Population, public hospitals, and health centers, will benefit from the guidance of four experts in the field of health technology management and undertake a series of different tasks such as readings, assignments, exams, writing reports, and discussion to further their understanding of health technology planning and management.

The course will strengthen the importance of health technology management through a lifecycle approach. Having a comprehensive understanding of all health technology management domains will provide additional tools for participants to overcome and better assess local challenges in Haiti, such as medical equipment donations deployment, maintenance, and correct use of biomedical equipment. 

At the end of the course, the participants will:

  • have a better understanding of the fundamentals of health technology planning and management; 
  • learn how to provide a methodology to improve the quality of medical devices, clinical information systems ,and converging technologies through effective planning and management; 
  • and communicate better with technical staff, clinicians, regulators, administrators, and technology providers.

The course will take place from September to December 2021 and is aimed to benefit 50 professionals from all over Haiti.