Surveillance aux points d'entrée
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN agency dedicated to promoting health, ensuring global safety, and serving vulnerable populations. WHO leads efforts in universal health coverage and coordinates responses to health emergencies. In Djibouti, the Obock region is a transit point for Yemeni refugees fleeing conflict and Ethiopian migrants. This context highlights the critical need for health surveillance at entry points to manage health risks and ensure access to care for these populations.
Job Purpose
This role aims to strengthen health surveillance at entry points in the Obock region of Djibouti, a critical area for arriving Yemeni refugees and Ethiopian migrants. The volunteer will be responsible for the rapid detection, referral, and notification of suspected cases of epidemic-prone diseases, such as cholera and measles, and ensuring continuity of care. By working closely with local authorities and international organizations, the volunteer will contribute to preventing disease outbreaks, protecting the health of vulnerable populations, and supporting the overall health response in a challenging humanitarian environment.
Responsibilities
The volunteer will support systematic health screening at key entry points (Obock Port, Godoria, Khor Angar, Moulhoule) for newly arrived refugees and migrants. This includes conducting visual screenings and symptom checks for priority diseases, documenting arrivals and suspected cases, and referring individuals to appropriate health facilities. The role involves supporting health screening and referral for Ethiopian migrants in coordination with IOM. Additionally, the volunteer will identify and refer unvaccinated children and pregnant women to relevant health services, promote maternal and child health awareness, and support cholera preparedness by ensuring availability of Oral Rehydration Salts and educating on prevention. The volunteer will also provide psychological first aid to distressed individuals and collect/transmit daily surveillance data, reporting even in the absence of cases. Coordination with stakeholders like the Coast Guard, ONARS, Red Crescent, and IOM is essential, as is adherence to protection principles and confidentiality.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required. However, at least one year of experience in health screening, surveillance, or humanitarian response is desirable. Experience at entry points or in border health is considered an asset. Basic data collection and reporting skills, along with proficiency in MS Office, are also beneficial.
Skills
Key competencies include responsibility, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work under pressure. Familiarity with community development principles is also noted.