PAHO/WHO Regional Emergency Response Team

Field Manual

This manual, packaged in a folder, describes deployment of the Disaster Response Team, its objectives, and responsibilities at different stages of an emergency. It explains the process of mobilizing resources and provides practical information for work in the field.

Virtual Health Library for Disasters

English, Spanish and French

An electronic collection of more than 500 public health publications on disaster reduction and complex emergencies in full text.

(A) Post-Disaster Needs Assessments: The Critical First Step

Why are post-disaster needs assessments important?. They can make a difference in a disaster-affected country, making sure that urgent needs are addressed.

Best Practices for Conducting Needs Assessments

Assessments are an important first step to determining immediate humanitarian needs after a disaster. This editorial offers the best practices for conducting needs assessments, so that the affected population gets the most benefit from humanitarian assistance.

Humanitarian Supply Management and Logistics in the Health Sector

Clear and practical guidelines on the logistics of humanitarian supply management. It describes proper handling of supplies at each level of the logistics "chain." Some procedures are based on standards adopted by international organizations involved in disaster response; others are the product of experience gained in the field.