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)

Jamaica Benefits from Response Operations after Hurricane Dean

In the aftemath of Hurricane Dean, the Pan American Health Organization received pledges from its donors for relief efforts in Jamaica. Several projects have been underway in the country recently, from LSS/SUMA training to the rehabilitation of the Bellevue Hospital--the only psychiatric facility in the country--that sustained serious damage in the wake of Dean. (More)

Disaster Response at Work in Bolivia through ECHO-Financed Project

Within the framework of a project financed by the Humanitarian Office of the European Union (ECHO), activities have been carried out in the Beni department--seriously affected by floods. PAHO's Subregional Disaster Office has created a website that expands on these activities. (More in Spanish)

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.