Central America Five Years after Hurricane Mitch

Five years after Hurricane Mitch –one of the most devastating disasters to strike Central America in decades— the most affected countries have much to show in terms of reducing their vulnerability to disasters. From small municipalities to the highest decision-making levels, success stories can be found in the health sector thanks to the tireless efforts of thousands of workers who turned a tragedy like hurricane Mitch into the catalyst for a process of development. In recognition of their work, these stories form the basis of a new publication that focuses on many achievements: safer hospitals and water systems, communities better prepared to face the health consequences of disasters; just-in-time information and more. Disaster preparedness and mitigation however, demand continued unceasing efforts. The countries of Central America, and indeed the entire Region of the Americas, will continue to coexist with natural hazards. The vulnerability of nations is the door through which the next disaster will slip. Achievements in Health in Central America Five Years after Mitch is available in Spanish from the Editor of this newsletter or download a copy from www.paho.org/disasters (choose Publications Catalog).

Protecting New Health Facilities
from Natural Disasters

Technical knowledge and experience have taught us that it is possible to reduce to a minimum the risks and damage caused by disasters if preventive measures are incorporated early in the design, construction and maintenance of new health facilities. What this complex issue needs now is greater visibility in political and development agendas in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This is the premise of the soon-to-be published Guidelines for Vulnerability Reduction in the Design of New Health Facilities (see page 8 of the special supplement) for those responsible for management, design, construction and inspection of new health facilities projects.

The current publication is an overview of those guidelines and includes recommendations on how to promote their use among national authorities, planners and financing agencies involved in the development of these projects. It emphasizes the substantial social and economic benefits of applying disaster mitigation measures to the design, planning and construction of health facilities. Equally important, it describes how to apply these measures to achieve protection levels that not only ensure human safety but also the security of infrastructure and the continuity of services.

This document is online at: www.paho.org/disasters (select Publications Catalog).

Solid Waste Management in Disaster Situations

The first book in a series on Environmental Health and Disasters, Solid Waste Management in Disaster Situations, is a guide that answers questions based on the experience of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is directed to environmental health technicians, health professionals and others in charge of maintaining basic health services to protect the population. The publication complements the guidelines and basic instructions with case studies from different types of disasters that affected the Region. Print copies (in Spanish only) can be requested from the Editor or download a copy from www.paho.org/disasters (click on Publications Catalog).