MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, GERMANY – Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), through its Emergency Medical Team Muhammadiyah (EMT), has stepped up efforts to expand its global network in emergency health response by formalizing cooperation with ISAR Germany.
The initiative was part of the ongoing EMT Twinning Program, held on April 14–15, 2026, and facilitated by the World Health Organization. The program brought together emergency medical teams from different regions to strengthen capacity through shared learning and the exchange of best practices.
During the sessions, participants reviewed progress made over the past three years of partnership while also outlining future collaboration plans. In particular, EMT Muhammadiyah reaffirmed its commitment to meeting WHO classification standards and enhancing readiness to deliver medical services in disaster settings.
Strengthening Long-Term Global Collaboration
On the second day, Muhammadiyah formally signed a five-year cooperation agreement with ISAR Germany. The agreement builds on an existing partnership and marks a strategic step toward deeper international collaboration in emergency health response.
Under the new framework, both parties will continue to develop joint programs focused on capacity building, particularly in disaster health services. Representatives from the WHO EMT Secretariat and regional WHO offices witnessed the signing, underscoring its international significance.
The EMT Twinning Program itself is a key WHO initiative designed to strengthen emergency medical teams through structured partnerships. It pairs well-established, classified EMTs with those still undergoing development or validation, ensuring continuous learning and improvement.
Advancing Global Standards in Emergency Response
Since 2020, the program has received support from the Global Health Protection Programme, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health. Coordination has been led by the EMT National Focal Point at the Robert Koch Institute, which has facilitated partnerships across Europe, Africa, and the Western Pacific.
Moreover, the forum provided a platform for cross-regional exchange among EMTs. Participants discussed technical and operational challenges, mapped key stakeholders, and developed strategic recommendations for future collaboration. As a result, the discussions are expected to generate valuable “lessons learned” to strengthen the global EMT system.
Ultimately, Muhammadiyah’s participation reflects a broader commitment to aligning its emergency health services with international standards. At the same time, it highlights the organization’s ambition to expand collaborative networks and deliver higher-quality humanitarian assistance both nationally and globally.
