Unseating the Myths Surrounding the Management of Cadavers

In the aftermath of a major natural disaster, authorities must prioritize many urgent tasks, including: (1) rescuing the survivors and providing the care they need, (2) restoring or maintaining basic services and (3) managing a potentially large number of cadavers.(More)

Distance Learning Builds Capacity in the Americas

In November, professors from Latin American and Caribbean universities that have disaster distance education programs will join experts in Internet-based training and international organizations that deal extensively in traditional training for disasters to evaluate the appropriateness of existing models and methodologies for distance learning based on the Internet and other information and communication technologies. (More)

PAHO Publishes 2003 Catalog of Disaster Publications and Training Material

The updated 2003 edition (in Spanish) of the catalog of publications and training material on disasters and emergencies is now available in print and online versions . (More)

Around the Web

We have found these websites that may be of use for people interested in disasters. (More)

PAHO and IOM Seek Advisor on Migration

The Pan American Health Organization and the International Organization for Migration have an opening for a regional health advisor on migrating populations, with duty station in Bogota, Colombia. (More)

Guidelines Target Older People in Emergencies

HelpAge International has published guidelines that suggest practical ways to meet the needs of the older population in emergency situations. (More)

People In Aid Revises Code on Staff Support

People In Aid, the network of 50+ international relief, development and advocacy agencies, has launched a revised “Code of good practice in the management and support of aid personnel”. (More)

HPG Publishes Report on Humanitarian Needs Assessment

The Humanitarian Policy Group has synthesized information from a report on needs assessments and decision making in the international humanitarian system into a briefing paper that explores how responses by the international humanitarian system can be judged proportionate and appropriate to the needs of those affected by disaster and conflict. (More)

Disaster Prevention: Keys to Success in Central America

Several municipalities in Central America are adopting innovative risk management and prevention measures to reduce their vulnerability to disasterss. (More)

Central American Nations Approve Joint Disaster Reduction Plan for the Health Sector

In the wake of Hurricane Mitch, the most devastating disaster to strike Central America in decades, SICA, the Central American System for Integration and CEPREDENAC, its disaster arm, helped guide preparation of a strategic framework to reduce vulnerability to disasters. (More)

Ministries of Health, Red Cross and PAHO Set Joint Action Plan in South America

Representatives from Ministries of Health of Andean Region countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) and from the Southern Cone (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay) met to define a strategic plan for interagency coordination on disaster management issues in the health sector. (More)

CARICOM Endorses Disaster Training for Caribbean Environmental Health professionals

The Caribbean is exposed to the risk of natural and manmade hazards, especially hurricanes and storms associated with the annual hurricane season. The environmental health sector is often affected. (More)

Radio Dramas on Disasters Still Popular

The radio drama Hurricane Season (Tiempos de Huracanes)—launched in October 2002 and broadcast by more than 50 radio stations in Central America—weaves the tale of how a community’s level of preparedness helps determine the impact a flood will have on the residents . (More)

Experts Study Making Hospitals Safe from Disasters

In July, more than 100 professionals met in El Salvador at the international meeting “Hospitals in Disasters: Handle with Care.” . (More)

WHO-PAHO Guidelines for the Use of Foreign Field Hospitals

Disasters, whether natural or complex, can outstrip the capacity of the local health system to provide the required care, either because of a massive number of casualties or as a result of damage to healthcare infrastructure. (More)

IDB Publication on Vulnerability and Risk Reduction

The Inter-American Development Bank’s publication “Planning and Financial Protection to Survive Disasters” distinguishes between risk management—which calls for prior planning and investments to reduce vulnerability—and emergency response, which involves after-the-fact expenditures . (More)

New from the Caribbean

CD-ROM . . .
Building codes from selected countries have been compiled on a new CD. (More)

Manual on Environmental Health Contingency Planning and Rapid Needs Assessment For Floods in the Caribbean

Floods are the most frequently occurring natural hazard globally and in the Caribbean. Because flood events can adversely affect environmental health, contingency plans are critically important. . (More)

Selected Bibliography

The articles listed in this section may be of interest to health professionals and others responsible for disaster preparedness, mitigation and relief. (More)

Special Supplement
Water and Disasters: In search of answers to new challenges

Rapidly changing conditions, such as environmental pollution which has led to deterioration of primary water sources, and other factors such as uncontrolled urban growth, are forcing the water and sanitation sector to strive for improvements in its technology and its planning and design methods. (More)