Globally, the demand for acute care is surging, disproportionately burdening low- and middle-income countries. Training for healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in reducing related mortality and improving overall health and well-being, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the potential for impact, the World Health Organization- International Committee of the Red Cross (WHO-ICRC) Basic Emergency Care (BEC) course is yet to be fully rolled out in Francophone African nations such as Cameroon, Djibouti, Haiti, Morocco, and Tunisia. In this paper, we describe the introduction of this training in these countries. This study utilized pre- and post-course surveys to gauge change in knowledge and confidence in delivering acute care. A comprehensive 4-day French BEC course and a concise 1-day Training of Trainer (ToT) course were delivered in Yaounde, Cameroon, in early 2023. Participants undertook surveys pre- and post-training, offering insights into their acute care knowledge, skills, and self-assurance. The courses were attended by 50 participants. The post-course evaluation highlighted a marked improvement in scores, showcasing a median score elevation from 72% pre-course to 88% post-course (p < 0.001). Participants’ self-confidence in handling acute care scenarios doubled. Universal acclaim was received for the quality of training materials, courses, and facilitation methodology, with nearly half feeling no amendment was necessary in the course design. However, 30% felt a longer duration should be dedicated to the practical/skills components of the course. The WHO-ICRC BEC course significantly enhanced the acute care knowledge, skills, and self-confidence of participants from these five countries, laying a solid foundation for future training sessions. Provisional trainers are now proficient in expanding such training within their regions. Evaluating patient outcomes post-training presents significant challenges, highlighting a crucial area for future research and scrutiny.

Background: Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. Methods: From April to May 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was performed. Participants were randomly selected from four districts in Benin (taking into account the COVID-19 prevalence). Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to identify the variables associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results: A total of 2069 participants were included. The proportion of vaccine acceptance was 43.3%. A total of 24.2% were vaccinated and showed proof of vaccination. The population’s request for vaccination was higher after the third epidemic wave. The district of residence, the education level, a fear of being infected, the channel of information, poor medical conditions, a good knowledge of the transmission mode and symptoms, and good behaviors were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Beninese population was relatively high. However, vaccine campaigns in areas with a low acceptance as well as the disclosure of information, particularly on our knowledge of the disease and the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, should be strengthened with adapted and consistent messages.