Make a Pledge, Save a Life
 In the framework of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, together with UNICEF and PAHO/WHO, presented the official site of the initiative "1 Million Safe Schools and Hospitals." The initiative, part of the 2010-2015 World Disaster Reduction campaign, encourages one person, one family, one community, one agency or any other entity to make a commitment to a hospital or school so that these become safer and continue being functional after a disaster. Visit the campaign's website for additional information on this initiative and to make your pledge.
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This guide, originally published in Spanish, has been adapted for a Caribbean audience. It sets out the guidelines for the organization, development and evaluation of simulations and drills and offers options for the use of the exercises, always in the context of emergencies and disasters. This tool aims to support mainly but not exclusively to health organizations when they review and update their plans for preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters.
Recent disasters worldwide have demonstrated that disaster plans need to be adjusted to be able to handle more than one hazard, as development often creates new problems. This is the focus of this issue's editorial. Other articles include an interview with the Minister of Health of the Dominican Republic, a resolution on climate change from PAHO/WHO Member Countries, safe hospitals, and the 2011 hurricane season. Read these and other articles in
Lessons to be learned for the next massive sudden-onset disaster
World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1 of each year. This date has become one of the most recognized international days and a key opportunity to combine efforts and create awareness of what HIV/AIDS is and demonstrate international solidarity against this epidemic.
