Making hospitals safe in emergencies: country examples
31 March 2009
WHO is urging governments, health providers, civil society, donors and the public to do what they can to improve emergency preparedness of health facilities. The aim is to ensure that health facilities (hospitals, primary health care centres, small clinics, and other such establishments) can both withstand and continue to operate during and after emergencies like earthquakes, cyclones and conflict.
World Health Day this year is underscoring the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need. The official slogan is "Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies."
The following photo essay illustrates how some countries have implemented systems to strengthen health facilities to make them safe during and after emergencies.
Related links
Corporate resources
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The world health report
Report on global public health and key statistics -
World health statistics report
WHO's annual compilation of data from its Member States -
International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements -
International Health Regulations (IHR)
Global rules to enhance national, regional and global public health security