After the acute phase of an emergency is over and basic health needs have been covered by the basic and supplementary units, specific needs for further supplies should be assessed as soon as possible. In most cases this will necessitate a quick description and, if possible, quantification of the morbidity profile (see Annex 4). It should characterize the most common diseases and should identify the exposed and high risk groups in the population (e.g. children below 5 years and pregnant women). These high risk groups should be the first target of the continuing health care programme. Any other factors that may influence requirements should also be taken into account, e.g. the demographic pattern of the community, the physical condition of the individuals, seasonal variations of morbidity and mortality, the impact of improved public health measures, the local availability of drugs and other supplies, drug resistance, usual medical practice in the country, capabilities of the health workers and the effectiveness of the referral system.

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