The last two years, 2020 and 2021, were characterized by very active hurricane seasons, registering a total of 51 named storms, 21 of which became hurricanes and 11, in turn, became major hurricanes. Of these, 4 occurred during 2021.
These two hurricane seasons occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and coincided with the impact of other hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, migratory flows, and social and political conflicts. The confluence of these factors, together with the logistical, economic, and operational challenges arising from the pandemic, has been a major challenge for health systems, which have been forced to find solutions to ensure access to essential services despite limitations and difficulties
In this meeting, our panel exchanged experiences and knowledge with experts in disaster and public health emergencies to motivate the review, update, and strengthening of inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms at the different territorial levels.
The following specific objectives are envisioned:
1. Update on the 2022 Hurricane Season and extreme hydrometeorological events in the Region.
2. Identify health sector challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned for the health emergency response to multi-hazard scenarios.
You can access the full meeting recording here or watch each presentation below.
Presentations
2022 Hurricane Season Forecast
Mr. Ken Graham – NHC / NOAA
Forecast of other extreme hydrometeorological events in the Region
Mr. Rodney Martinez - World Meteorological Organization
Ensuring access to essential health services and the rapid rehabilitation of services - Part 1
Dr. Nestor Laverde - Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia
Ensuring access to essential health services and the rapid rehabilitation of services - Part 2
Dr. Dinorah Nolasco - Health Secretariat of Honduras
Coordination between national actors
Dr. Jose Ernesto Betancourt - Ministry of Public Health of Cuba
Rapid damage and needs assessment of health facilities: Application of ERES tool
Dr. Alex Camacho - PAHO
Mass casualty management: Reorganization of health services
Mr. Luis de la Fuente & Dr. Leonardo Hernandez - PAHO
Panel - Key considerations for emergency response
Part 1: Dr. Mauricio Cerpa - PAHO
Part 2: Mr. Victor Martinez- PAHO
Part 3: Dr. Taraleen Malcolm - PAHO