Health Emergencies
Info Tools
Special Projects
July 2012 - Essential Medicines List for Emergencies and Disasters in the Caribbean
This new publication is intended to be used by national policy makers, clinicians and pharmacists as reference for the preparation of national disaster plans and emergency management, and to form part of the national essential medicines list. It aims to assist countries in providing urgent medical care in the acute phase of disasters and emergencies, including emergency surgical interventions, and in continuing health care for people under treatment, including those with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders.
June 2012 - PAHO Inaugurates new Emergency Operations Center and Knowledge Center
The new PAHO Emergency Operations Center and Knowledge Center was inaugurated during the 150th Executive Committee Meeting in PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C. The design of the Center seeks to respond to the new and complex challenges of public health crises and disaster situations. The interconnected and flexible work spaces will improve the exchange of information and the Organization's response to the needs of the Member States.
April 2012 - Guidelines for Mainstreaming the Needs of Older Persons in Disaster Situations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has the fastest ageing population in the developing world. Yet studies in the Caribbean reveal that most shelters do not cater to the needs and conditions of older persons, lacking for example privacy, appropriate bedding and access for the disabled. This publication takes a look at older people in disaster situations, with a particular focus on the Caribbean, and provides an overview of considerations to ensure that this group of people has the required response to their needs in disasters. After undergoing a peer review process, the final version of this publication is now online.