EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The WHO African Region continues to be challenged by frequent natural and man-made emergencies causing injury, death, population displacement, destruction of health facilities and disruption of services, often leading to disasters.
The frequency and magnitude of emergencies and disasters have increased since the adoption, in 1997, of the Regional Strategy on Emergency Preparedness and Response. In addition, several global initiatives, developed since 2005, including the World Health Assembly resolution WHA64.10 adopted in 2011, have focused on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) as the approach to containing and minimizing the impact of emergencies.
WHO has recognized the need for Member States to formulate policies and legislation, and develop capacities in order to institutionalize DRM in the health sector. An assessment conducted in 2011 revealed that most countries in the Region lack these policies, capacities and legislation.
This regional strategy proposes that Member States strengthen disaster risk management by developing appropriate laws and policies; building adequate capacities in the MOH; assessing and mapping the risks from a health sector perspective; assessing the level of safety of, and applying standards to, hospitals and other health facilities; building community resilience; strengthening preparedness; developing national standards for response; and strengthening evidence and knowledge management. This will ensure that the health system has been prepared and will be able to provide adequate health sector response to emergencies and reduce their likelihood of becoming disasters.
The Regional Committee is invited to examine and adopt this strategy.