Two Tropical Storms Hit Belize and Cause Worst Flooding in Years

The first named storms for the 2008 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons hit Belize simultaneously and extensively impacted the coastal and southern areas of the country with severe flash floods. Tropical Storm Alma developed on the Eastern Pacific on 27 May and Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, hit Belize on 31 May. (More)

Fifth WHO Public Health Pre-Deployment Course

Applications are being received for the 5th WHO Public Health Pre-Deployment Course to be held in Ontario, Canada from 16-29 November 2008. The course prepares public health professionals with profiles that suit health emergency competencies defined by WHO and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Global Health Cluster, and who can commit themselves to be deployed within 24-48 hours to an emergency for a duration of up to three months. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2008. Click here to view application criteria and detailed information about the course. Candidates must have a very good knowledge of English.

The New Caribbean Basin Wind Hazard Maps

PAHO/WHO, together with Applied Research Associates, a North American institute, and participants from different Caribbean countries, have created maps that show wind hazards on Caribbean islands and along the Caribbean coasts of Central and South America. The project simulates 100,000 years of Atlantic storms using hurricane hazard models, historic records, and existing wind maps and will help in the design and construction of new health facilities. (More)

Improving the Health of IDPs in Colombia

For the past ten years, PAHO/WHO, in collaboration with several partners, has been engaged in an on-going project to improve the health of internally displaced populations (IDP) in Colombia. Due to continuing conflict within the country, large portions of the population have fled their homes, thus encountering many physical and mental health challenges as a result of violence, loss of productivity, poor sanitation and lack of access to health services. (More)

Resource Material on Climate Change and Disasters

In line with this year's World Health Day theme "Protecting Health from Climate Change," the Regional Disaster Information Center (CRID) has published a CD-ROM with a large collection of documents from different agencies regarding climate change, disasters and health. Other topics include food safety and vector-borne and infectious diseases. The contents of the CD-ROM, which are in English and Spanish, can be downloaded from the CRID's website. (More)

"Disasters" Newsletter Recent Issue

Due to the threat of emerging diseases and the deliberate release of hazardous agents, there has been a revision of the international health regulations. This edition's editorial addresses the implications for national health disaster programs. Other topics include the launch of the 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction Campaign and the yellow fever outbreak in South America. (More)

White Helmets of Argentina, PAHO Sign Disaster Response Agreement

PAHO signed an agreement of understanding with the White Helmets Commission of Argentina to unite forces and cooperate in responding to disasters and other emergencies. The White Helmets Commission is a humanitarian aid and peacekeeping agency with more than 4,000 trained volunteers and has participated in missions in numerous countries of the Americas and other continents. (More)

2008-2009 World Disaster Campaign Launched in Switzerland

The World Disaster Reduction Campaign 2008-2009: 'Hospitals Safe from Disasters' was launched in Davos, Switzerland on 25 January. The campaign will focus on structural safety of hospitals and health facilities, on keeping health facilities functioning during and after disasters, and on making sure health workers are prepared for natural hazards striking. PAHO/WHO has created a site dedicated to the theme of Hospitals Safe from Disasters, which includes links to the Campaign materials. (More)

Mass Fatality Plan Checklist for Ministries of Health and National Disaster Offices

The Pan American Health Organization has developed a working document for a checklist that contains the essential elements that should be addressed by Ministries of Health and Disaster Management Offices as they develop mass fatality plans. Comments to this document are welcome, and should be addressed to Dana Van Alphen at vanalphe@paho.org. (More)

Survey Results on Preparedness in PAHO/WHO Member States

In 2005, PAHO/WHO Member States requested a progress report on advances made to reduce the vulnerability of their population and health facilities and to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms for major emergencies. The report of the study was presented to the 2006 meeting of PAHO´s Directing Council. Click here to read the full report.