Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas

Issue 110 - October 2008

This edition's editorial focuses on climate change and disaster programs in the health sector, as changes in climate have had a direct impact on recent disasters. This edition is the first with a new 12-page format, which includes an interview section--PAHO's Director is the first subject--a section on safe hospitals and one on perspectives.

Good Information Is the Most Elusive Commodity in Large Disasters

Medical treatment and public health interventions are generally based on evidence. Methods and procedures are critically reviewed, often with control groups; side effects or errors are tracked and corrected; finally, original results are published with peer review to ensure scientific quality.

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.

(D) A Disaster Myth that Just Won’t Die

Mass Burials and the Dignity of Disaster Victims

The notion that dead bodies pose an urgent threat in the aftermath of a disaster is one of several enduring myths about disasters and relief efforts that lives on.

Rush to Action Before the Disaster!

The myth that the affected population is too shocked or helpless to take responsibility for their own survival following a large scale natural disaster, is simply that: a myth.