Natural disasters and children with asthma

This brochure is one of a series of eight developed to support people in the English-speaking Caribbean who are living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, mental health conditions, and cancer, in preparing for and managing their health during natural disasters. Evidence from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) shows that emergencies often disrupt access to care, medications, medical devices, and follow-up services - factors that can significantly increase the risk of complications and hospitalization for people with NCDs. Each brochure provides condition-specific guidance, including practical steps such as assembling medication and equipment kits, keeping treatment plans and medical records accessible, planning for safe evacuation and shelter, and safeguarding emotional wellbeing. They also feature user-friendly checklists and local resource contacts to help patients, families, and caregivers take action. The eighth brochure focuses on civil society organizations, offering tools to plan for continuity of services, manage supply chains, prioritize vulnerable clients, and coordinate effectively with health authorities.