The objective of the work of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Health Emergencies is to increase the health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. Our priority is to deliver rapid, predictable, and comprehensive support to Member States in terms of prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery in case of any threat to human health, including outbreaks or disasters caused by natural phenomena, biological, chemical or radiological agent, human activities, conflicts or any other hazard. When national capacities are overwhelmed, PAHO is ready to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
This Region is exposed to various natural and manmade hazards that can overwhelm the healthcare system: the threat of hurricanes in the Caribbean, for example, or the threat of earthquakes and floods in Central America. For this reason, the Americas need to ensure that the health sector is ready to respond to disasters, and disaster preparedness is critical to achieve this goal.
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO, Nov. 2013
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