Launch of an interdisciplinary Natural Hazard Management Programme as part of the MSc ‘Global Health – Disaster Medicine’ of the NKUA’s School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Municipality of Chalki

The MSc ‘Global Health- Disaster Medicine’ at the NKUA’s School of Medicine, led by the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor of Surgery, Emmanouil Pikoulis, announces the launch of an eight-month interdisciplinary programme, in collaboration with the Municipality of Chalki. The programme aims to strengthen health preparedness in managing crises and disasters caused by natural phenomena and the consequences of climate crisis.

The implementation of the programme includes participatory needs assessment workshops, training on immediate health intervention issues, psychosocial empowerment actions for children, young people, and the elderly, emergency simulation exercises in a real-world setting for the society of Chalki, and mentoring programmes for healthcare professionals on the island.

The first meeting between the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Emmanouil Pikoulis, and the Mayor of Chalki, Mr Evaggelos Fraggakis, highlighted the importance of linking islandness to the island’s specific healthcare needs and local characteristics in order to organize and implement interventions aimed at managing health emergency incidents during the first ‘golden’ hour.

The shared objective is to establish Chalki—the first GR-eco island—as a model for small-island health and psychosocial preparedness and interconnect—in practice— green growth with resilience to environmental risks.

Listed below are some of the actions that have been carried out in Chalki since December 2023:

1. A needs assessment workshop with the participation of representatives of the Municipality of Chalki, the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic Armed Forces, and the educational and local community.
2. Hands-on training in first aid and emergency management.
3. Mental resilience workshop for the inhabitants of the island.
4. Launch of the mentoring programme for the country doctor and interconnection between the doctor and NKUA faculty members.

The programme is part of the Bicentennial ‘Initiative 1821-2021’ (Protovoulia ’21) actions and has the support of:

1. John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation.
2. Social and Cultural Affairs Welfare Foundation (KIKPE).
3. Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation.

The Bicentennial ‘Initiative 1821-2021’ was formed on the occasion of the 200^th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence and is the product of an active collaboration between the National Bank of Greece and welfare, cultural, and scientific foundations in the country. It continues its activity to this day, focusing on climate change and environmental-related actions.
https://www.protovoulia21.gr/