LSS/SUMA System Aids Mexican Health Authorities

Mexico’s health authorities are using LSS/SUMA, a humanitarian supply management system developed by PAHO/WHO, to effectively manage supplies related to the response to influenza A/H1N1. The system was initially set up on 26 April at the National Center for Epidemiological Surveillance and Disease Control (CENAVECE) in Mexico City. This office is charged with coordination and response to the epidemic and manages the strategic national reserve for an influenza pandemic. (More)

Latest issue of "Disasters" newsletter is now online

This issue's editorial focuses on the risks a financial crisis can pose to disaster management, as funds previously used for disaster preparedness and relief are diverted to more pressing needs. The celebration of World Health Day is covered, and an interview with the head of the International Strategy for Disaster reduction is included. Among the new training materials available from PAHO is an interactive tool for hospital safety. (More)

"Hospitals Should Stand Up to Disasters"

Hospitals and other health facilities should be built to withstand the impact of natural disasters and should continue providing essential health services during and after emergencies, public health experts said on April 7 during a celebration of World Health Day 2009 at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). (More)

'Safe Hospitals' is the Theme of World Health Day 2009

World Health Day is celebrated each April 7 to mark the founding of the World Health Organization. This year, World Health Day’s theme is When Disasters Strike: Safe Hospitals Save Lives. This year's theme focuses on three important messages: All health facilities must be able to withstand the physical impact of disasters; critical health services must continue to function in all emergency situations; and the health workforce must be trained and ready to deal with the particular challenges these situations impose. Browse through our web site to view World Health Day materials—posters, brochures, FAQs, videos and more.

Earthquake in Costa Rica

The final toll of the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Costa Rica on 8 January was 23 dead, seven missing, 150 injured, more than 125,000 affected and approximately 423 houses destroyed. The epicenter was localized 20 miles north of San Jose, the capital, although it was felt throughout the country. Some health facilities suffered serious structural damage, including one that had to be evacuated. (More in Spanish)

New Toolbar to Get Information on Displaced Populations in Colombia

The Health and Displacement website--dedicated to the displaced populations in Colombia and neighboring countries--has created a toolbar to be used as an interaction mechanism for all actors interested in the subject. The toolbar offers links, alerts, videos, and an online library on health and displacement. The toolbar--for Internet Explorer and Firefox--can be downloaded here.

Canada Launched Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund

The Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management (CCDRM) Fund is an important component of the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA's) regional Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Program (CDRMP), which is managed by the Canadian High Commission in Barbados. The eight-year project, which has earmarked CAD $ 3 million to the CCDRM Fund, was launched on 3 November. It will provide support for small-scale, community-level projects designed to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. Priority will be given to projects that produce disaster risk reduction benefits in low-income, rural communities or marginalized communities. For more information, contact the Fund Coordinator, Leslie John Walling, at ccdrmf.cancarib@gmail.com.

2008-2009 World Disaster Campaign on Safe Hospitals

The World Disaster Reduction Campaign 2008-2009: 'Hospitals Safe from Disasters' is underway. The campaign is focusing on the 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. Visit the Campaign website.

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)

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.