PAHO Scientific Publication Series

Natural Disasters

Protecting the Public's Health

Paperback
December 2000
9789275115756
More details
  • Publisher
    World Health Organization
  • Published
    30th December 2000
  • ISBN 9789275115756
  • Language English
  • Pages 199 pp.
  • Size 5.875" x 8.33"
$52.80

A didactic guide to all health-related measures needed to prepare for natural disasters, reduce their immediate impact, and facilitate recovery. Noting that all natural disasters share several features, the book aims to provide a framework that administrators can rely on when planning and managing the health sector's response. Details range from a list of eight misconceptions that may cause authorities to take inappropriate action, through a discussion of the sensitive issues surrounding inappropriate drug and food donations, to a distinction between responsibilities best handled by the affected country and those requiring international aid. Throughout the book, recent experiences from the Americas are used to illustrate both the impact of specific types of disaster and opportunities for mitigating their effects.

World Health Organization

World Health Organization is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, charged to act as the world's directing and coordinating authority on questions of human health. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.