Strategic plan for emergency communicable diseases response to the tsunami disaster
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Abstract
This report sets out the objectives and the strategic elements for the response to communicable diseases which may arise as a result of the tsunami. The CDS department provides the technical lead for disease surveillance and early warning, preparedness and response. The objective broadly includes monitoring public health to provide early warning of emerging health threats and to enable the timely organization of the required response. The report highlights that the initial phase of an emergency is crucial for survival of victims. The immediate risks to the population in terms of communicable diseases include the waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery as well as diseases which may arise as a result of overcrowding of displaced populations such as measles, meningitis and acute respiratory infections. The strategy sets out a framework and a three month action plan for health response which includes establishing /strengthening early warning systems, human resource mobilization and deployment, guideline development and dissemination, procurement and distribution of necessary medicines and vaccines. However it is recognized that health effects of the disaster can last a long time and that it would be essential to support longer-term efforts to rebuild health facilities including the disease surveillance system, and ensure that basic water and sanitation services are available. The strategy also makes provision for monitoring the implementation in affected countries.Citation
World Health Organization. Regional Office for South-East Asia. (2005). Strategic plan for emergency communicable diseases response to the tsunami disaster. WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/206402
Document number
SEA-CD-144SEA-EHA-12