A Growing Global Movement: EECC Hubs and Groups Strengthening Care Worldwide
Across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, teams of committed clinicians, nurses, and health leaders are working to ensure that every critically ill patient receives timely, life-saving care. Over the last year, EECC National Hubs and country groups have expanded rapidly, each taking practical steps to embed Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) in their own health systems.
From establishing new national teams to running hospital workshops, forming partnerships, conducting assessments, and meeting government leaders, progress is happening at every level. Here is a look at the remarkable developments across the EECC network.
Building National Capacity Across East and West Africa
In Somalia, training and facility assessments at Royal and Demartino Hospitals continue to strengthen the ability of staff to recognise and manage life-threatening illness. The team is now connected with the Somali ICU and Development Hub and collaborating closely with colleagues in Somaliland, where the first EECC training is planned at Hargeisa Group Hospital.
In The Gambia, a newly registered EECC organisation, AEECCNG, is rolling out VSDT charts across hospitals and clinics, running workshops on recognising deteriorating patients, and building national partnerships. The group is also seeking accreditation from African and global critical care nursing bodies, helping put EECC firmly on the national agenda.
In Nigeria, the national EECC team is developing baseline assessments using the EECC facility tool, preparing training materials for zonal activities, and supporting the creation of a West Africa Regional Group. Plans are under way to participate in the 2026 West African College of Surgeons conference, helping strengthen collaboration across the region.
In Ghana, EECC training at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has sparked new initiatives, including plans to introduce a basic triage system on the wards and use the SBAR framework for clearer, safer handovers. Staff hope to spread EECC to additional regions in the coming months.
In Malawi, the Critical Care Nurses Association (CCNAM) continues to lead national momentum. The team is preparing for a nationwide EECC assessment, has secured funding for a three-day training workshop, and is expanding advocacy with the Ministry of Health to support the integration of EECC in hospitals across the country.
Further east, Burundi is progressing with its national respiratory nurse mentor initiative. Recruitment is under way for seven mentors who will receive advanced training before deployment to high-volume hospitals. The Hub is also translating EECC materials into French to improve accessibility and preparing for a training-of-trainers workshop in December.
In Rwanda, the newly formed EECC group—supported by the Rwanda Anesthetists Organisation—is planning assessments across six institutions and building connections with regional training partners to launch the country’s first EECC activities.
Meanwhile in Ethiopia, the results of a 20-hospital EECC assessment have been shared with the Ministry of Health, and funding has been approved for national training and leadership workshops. The team is also helping coordinate the upcoming All-African Emergency Care Conference, further embedding EECC in regional health discussions.
Strengthening Care in Northern Africa and the Middle East
In Mauritania, a diverse team of doctors, nurses, and surgeons has come together to establish the country’s first EECC group. The team recently met the Minister of Health to request official recognition and space within a hospital to begin EECC training and research. While awaiting formal approval, members are already preparing early training activities and expanding their network of supporters.
Growing Momentum in Europe
In Sweden, the EECC Hub continues to advance implementation research, global advocacy, and training development. A national network meeting, follow-up Hub meeting, and upcoming national Champion Workshop are helping coordinate activities across the country as the team delivers presentations at major scientific conferences.
A new United Kingdom group is emerging through partnerships with SAFE Anaesthesia, equipment providers and international networks. The team is assisting with procurement of essential EECC supplies for partner countries and exploring funding pathways through regional and global organisations.
A Shared Vision Across Countries
Although each country works in its own context, the themes are the same everywhere:
recognising critical illness early
providing simple, effective treatments
training staff and building local leadership
strengthening hospital systems
working towards sustainable, locally owned change
Together, this global network is demonstrating that EECC can be integrated into any health system, even in the most resource-limited settings. The commitment shown by these teams—many volunteering their time—is helping ensure that no patient dies for lack of simple, life-saving care.
To connect with a National Hub or start one in your own country, join the EECC Network today.