A disaster, above all, relates to people as it affects their state of physical, mental and social wellbeing. Destruction, even if it is sudden and massive, is not a disaster unless there are repercussions for the population. In this context, health services are essential 24/7, for all women and men, anywhere in the world.
Monday, 20 May 2013
The vulnerability of health facilities in Latin America and the Caribbean to adverse events is well documented. Geographically, the region is at risk for natural hazards, but increasingly anthropogenic activity has created other concerns, including the potentiating effects of climate change on adverse weather events and increased risk from exposure to hazardous chemicals and ionizing radiation, some of which are routinely used in health facilities.
Ensuring logistical support for adequate supplies has proven to be a strategic aspect in handling emergencies, for without the necessary supplies, even with the best response systems and medical facilities to tend to the victims, the response will be neither adequate nor effective. In light of this, since 1992 PAHO/WHO’s Emergency Program promoted LSS/SUMA as a tool for managing supplies and humanitarian assistance.
The Technical Commission of Risk Management in Central America and the Dominican Republic (
As a result of the earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010, more than 50 health facilities were destroyed or damaged and 200,000 individuals required medical attention and emergency care. Beyond the seismic risk, every year hurricanes continue to cause many casualties in Haiti, while health facilities located in affected areas become inaccessible or unusable due to floods.
The Emergency Operations Center (
The Caribbean’s 
The Hospital Safety Index, developed by 
The heavy rains at the beginning of 2012 in Peru forced the government to declare a state of national emergency in 18 regions of the country. One of the most affected was the Loreto region, in the country’s northeast. The population’s vulnerability increased as a result of the collapse of the sanitation systems. In addition, the extending area of dispersion of pathogen agents increased the probability of transmission of diseases from river waters.Past Issues
