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Editorial
The complexity of wide-reaching disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan require coordinated response and recovery efforts. Support systems must be in place to identify and respond to health threats. The way forward in these complex crises must include the integration of early recovery efforts with reconstruction strategy.
HAC activities in countries
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Pakistan: funds are still needed to support the response ahead of the winter months
With more than 450 health facilities totally or partially damaged in flood-affected areas, thousands of people will not have access to basic health care. The humanitarian health response is focusing on communicable disease control, including water quality control for waterborne diseases, the provision of primary health care, including reproductive and GBV health care, and the resumption of services in damaged facilities.
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Haiti: response to the cholera outbreak
As of 27 October, the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) reported 4722 cholera cases and 303 related deaths. It is the first outbreak of cholera in Haiti in decades. The MSPP is leading the response and has prepared a national strategy to strengthen the 80 primary health care centres in the metropolitan area and reinforce the 10 cholera treatment centres and 8 hospitals for the management of severe cases.
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Sudan: preparation for the January 2011 referendum
Health Cluster partners are planning the prepositioning of medicines in the border areas between northern and southern Sudan ahead of the scheduled 2011 referendum. The preparations, which are part of an overall contingency plan, will ensure that health facilities stay operational even if supply routes are interrupted by violence.
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Niger: food insecurity at the forefront again
Food insecurity is threatening almost half of the country’s population. WHO is working with partners to reduce mortality by improving the capacities of health facilities for the management of medical complications in cases of severe under-nutrition. New funds are needed to keep the staff in the field and maintain the support provided to the partners.
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Guinea: managing the emergencies linked to the socio-political conflicts
WHO and Health cluster partners continue responding to the health consequences of the regular protests, strikes and clashes that have plagued Guinea for the last three years. With the election period, it is essential to reinforce preparedness and build capacities to minimize the impact of possible renewed outbreaks of violence.
Other country news
- Somalia: depleted Mogadishu hospitals struggle to treat war wounded
- Southern Sudan: Upsurge of kala-azar cases requires rapid response
- Afghanistan boosts preparedness for humanitarian health crises
- WHO to work with health authorities to increase health services for remote population in under-resourced Afghan province
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Afghanistan appeals for increased, improved care for people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders
pdf, 277kb
Funding
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Funds received in HAC from January to October 2010
During the period January to October 2010, WHO/HAC received close to US$ 141 million from 33 donors to respond to 45 humanitarian crises in all six WHO regions.
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Emergency responses funded through HAC from January to October 2010
Between 1 January and 24 October 2010, 45 humanitarian crises received close to US$ 141 million channelled through WHO/HAC in headquarters.
Global Health Cluster
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Global Health Cluster Policy and Strategy and Working Group Meetings, Geneva, 12–13 October 2010
pdf, 20kb
The Policy and Strategy Group and the Working Group met in Geneva on 12–13 October to finalize key documents and established priorities for 2011.
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Health Cluster Coordination Training Course, Geneva, 20–24 September 2010
pdf, 82kb
The Global Health Cluster carried out a Health Cluster Coordination Training Course in Geneva on 20–24 September for 30 participants from UN Agencies, NGOs and private sector. The curriculum, developed by the Global Health Cluster, includes in-depth learning about the role of Health Cluster Coordinator, the use of specific Health Cluster tools, the humanitarian cluster approach as well as finance mechanisms. Over 150 people have been trained since 2008.
Other issues
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Interagency issues
Global Migration Group; IASC Principals meeting; IASC Taskforce on HIV in Emergency Settings; IASC Taskforce on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN, NGO, IOM and IFRC Personnel; IASC Working Group; Emergency Directors Meeting.
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13 October – international day for disaster risk reduction – Making cities resilient: my city is getting ready!
Proactive action and multisectoral approach at the local level were two of the key messages of the International Day for Disaster Reduction under the World Disaster Reduction Campaign banner of "Making Cities Resilient". Both are critical to advance health outcomes for people at risk, to help to save lives and to support the delivery of health services in emergencies. WHO highlighted the health imperative for disaster risk reduction through communications from headquarters and regional offices and a social media campaign to promote safer hospitals, as well as participation in IDDR events in Panama, the Philippines, Tunisia and other locations. At the event in Geneva, hosted by the Swiss Government, ADG/HAC, the ISDR Assistant Secretary General, the WMO Secretary General and private sector representatives emphasized the role of local leaders, businesses and communities in building urban resilience. Cities and local governments can "get ready, reduce the risks and become more resilient to disaster" by following a 10-point Checklist - Essentials for Making Cities Resilient, which includes assessment and upgrading of health facility safety and preparedness.