Description:

In response to the humanitarian crisis from the conflict in the Ukraine, Bulgaria hosted over 2 million people affected by the conflict of which approximately 80,000 remain in country , with the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) playing a crucial role in providing support, alongside Red Cross Movement partners. The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) collaborated with BRC to enhance health preparedness by training mobile health teams (MHTs) to assist those vulnerable people and local populations. This partnership began with a scoping review in June 2023, combining CRC's operational expertise with BRC's contextual knowledge to develop a program tailored to local needs. This collaboration emphasized the importance of strong governance, financial investment, and coordination in response efforts. Effective governance structures ensured transparency, while financial support from multiple stakeholders enabled the development and training of MHTs. By focusing on training rather than deployment, the project built sustainable health capacities and resilience, preparing teams for rapid action, if needed. The program also leveraged academic partnerships with McGill University and the University of Plovdiv to advance knowledge exchange and technical expertise in emergency health response. This collaborative approach provides a model for integrating governance, finance, and local context to enhance global health preparedness and response in times of crisis.

• Understand the importance of international collaboration in advancing global health preparedness during emergencies. • Explore the design and implementation of mobile health teams in conflict and crisis settings. • Gain insights into the role of academic partnerships in advancing technical knowledge and response capabilities.

• Collaborative Design: Bridging expertise from different Red Cross National societies to assess and address health needs in crisis settings. • Mobile Health Teams: Development, training, and deployment strategies in emergencies. • Partnerships for Knowledge Exchange: The role of universities (McGill and Medical University in Plovdiv) in advancing global health education and practice.

1. Collaboration in Action: Explore the collaborative process behind establishing mobile health teams and the complexities of cross-border cooperation in emergency contexts. 2. Bridging Sectors for Impact: Understand how academic-operational partnerships enhance the effectiveness and agility of global health response strategies. 3. Scaling Preparedness Through Innovation: Discover key strategies for expanding emergency preparedness by leveraging innovative partnerships and co-designed solutions.