Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are extremely important in addressing the challenges of health emergencies. Typically, an RRT will have an epidemiologist, a lab expert, a clinician, and a communication expert, who would investigate the arising health emergency for immediate action. Aiming to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization supported priority countries in Africa in strengthening RRTs by including community health workers. Ministries of health could create and equip more RRTs, as well as train community health workers to promptly access the most populated communities with response actions. The RRT model that includes community health workers has been widely acknowledged for its impact in efficiently handling a health emergency.

In these photos, community health workers in Ouenzé, a densely populated area of Brazzaville, gathered all residents of their communities for COVID-19 testing. Many people in these communities could not access health services because of transportation challenges. Community health workers in Ouenzé collaborated with Brazzaville health authorities to organize for RRTs to visit their communities instead. As a result, many COVID-19 cases were identified and either treated at home or referred to hospitals. These opportunities were also used to explain the importance of complying with recommended measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, measles cases were identified and timely measures were taken to control the spread. WHO Regional Office for Africa, further supported this innovative RRT model in carrying out COVID-19 vaccination directly in communities.