Discrimination in disaster situations is the focus of the 2007 edition of the World Disaster Report, published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The publication examines which groups suffer the greatest discrimination, how this is manifested, and how vulnerabilities among these groups increase in disaster situations. It focuses on the elderly, people with disabilities, minorities, and women. At times, discrimination is exacerbated by attitudes that originate within communities or families.

The document makes recommendations on how to ensure that the needs of marginal and vulnerable communities are taken into account in disaster prevention programs. It emphasizes that these groups must receive adequate and timely assistance during emergencies and be included in recovery activities after a disaster. The report points out that it is the responsibility of international agencies and of governments to identify and address discriminatory attitudes and processes.

Race, color, gender, language, religion, politics, opinion, social or national origin, and economic conditions are only some of the causes of discrimination that can compromise how certain groups access international and local assistance during disasters. The document is available at www.ifrc.org.

In volcanic emergencies there are two elements that can severely impact populations: ashfall and volcanic gases. The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) has published technical guidelines on the hazards of volcanic ash and gases. The content is practical, easy to understand and is meant for wide distribution in cases of eruptions. “The Health Hazards of Volcanic Ash--A Guide for the Population,” gives recommendations for respiratory, eye, or skin problems, and how best to protect oneself or one’s children from ashfall. Another pamphlet, “Guidelines on Preparedness Before, During, and After Ashfall,” offers general preparedness recommendations for disaster administrators.

The 31 experts who are members of the IVHHN work in various scientific disciplines such as volcanology, epidemiology, toxicology, and public health, with the common aim of trying to determine the health effects of volcanic emissions. They have published a series of pamphlets for the public, for disaster managers, and for scientists that are available in Spanish, English, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Japanese at www.ivhhn.org (see the section on “guidelines and databases”).

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) has launched a website for special populations that addresses preparedness for emergencies and disasters. The site contains information on safety measures, evacuation, preparedness, etc., for the disabled, the elderly, people with hearing and sight impairment, women, children, diabetics, indigenous populations, and foreigners, among others. In addition, it presents lessons learned from disasters caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the attacks on the World Trade Center. The site includes laws and regulations and a preparedness guide for the government and its agencies. The page is available at http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/outreach/specialpopulationsanddisasters.html.