5. Mobilizing for emergencies and disasters

  • Share

The process of mobilizing for emergencies and disasters requires consensus-building among all actors so that activities are designed not only provide immediate aid, but also an assessment of the magnitude of damage and needs for humanitarian assistance.

The diagram below indicates the actions that contribute to a successful mobilization.

acciones movilizacion exitosa-eng

 

5.1. Sectoral and multisectoral coordination

  • Share

Integration with national multisectoral mechanisms

coordinacion sectorial


In the Americas, all countries have a national risk management and disaster response system of a multisectoral nature, with a central coordinating central agency whose name varies from country to country: Civil Protection or Defense Agency, National Emergency Bureau or Commission, National Disaster Agency or Department, etc. These systems and agencies work jointly with all sectors and institutions, including the ministry of health and the entities within it.

It is important for the health sector to be well acquainted with these intersectoral bodies. The sector’s participation and coordination in processes related to risk management, preparedness, and response will not only benefit the work of the ministry of health, but the entire range of institutions responsible for emergency and disaster work.

 

Read more...

5.2. Damage assessment and needs analysis

  • Share

5 2 evaluacion de danos

The purpose of a damage assessment and needs analysis (DANA) process is to describe, as quickly and objectively as possible, the health impact of an adverse event, while considering the response capacity of the sector and ascertaining what additional resources are required to address immediate and future effects.

The DANA supports decision-making and thus save lives and limits the health consequences and socioeconomic losses.


The health authority is responsible for assessing, reporting, and coordinating interventions to protect and recovery of the population’s health.

 

Read more...

5.3. Determining priorities and decision-making

  • Share

5 3 determinacion

The weaknesses encountered through the damage assessment and needs analysis are grouped in order of importance according to the magnitude of their repercussions on health. Subsequently, potential solutions are analyzed. Major problems that are easy to solve with available resources will receive priority for action, while smaller problems that are not likely to have a major impact or are unlikely to be resolved quickly will receive lower priority. Meanwhile, priority will be given to the mobilization of resources for problems that could lead to serious consequences, but are difficult or unlikely to solve with available resources—in other words, plans will be prepared and external resources sought.

 

Read more...

5.4. Delivering health services and minimizing secondary effects of disasters

  • Share

prestacion servicios saludOne of the health sector’s fundamental tasks is to ensure the continuity of health services delivery to the population affected by a disaster.

Even before an emergency occurs, the network of health care facilities should be prepared for emergencies stemming from different hazards, both natural and anthropogenic.

Consequently, health care facilities should have emergency preparedness and response plans in place, their staff should be properly trained to implement the plans, and the necessary resources should be available.

 

Read more...

5.5. Coordination of international assistance in health

  • Share

5 5 coordinacion

Coordinating international health assistance is the responsibility of the ministry of health, in close coordination with the national entity responsible for coordinating disaster response, the ministry of foreign affairs, and the national entity responsible for international cooperation if one exists.

When a disaster exceeds the response capacity of an affected country and humanitarian assistance is deemed necessary it is essential to rapidly determine what is needed and what is not. Prolonged silence or a lack of response to an offer of assistance is not an option, as it can lead to unrequested and unnecessary aid or delay the arrival of assistance that is urgently needed to satisfy the unmet health needs of the affected population. For more reading on this issue, we recommend Be a Better Donor: Practical Recommendations for Humanitarian Aid.

 

Read more...