Disaster Medicine: The Need for Global Action

Disasters are becoming more frequent worldwide and water figures prominently in many of them. Disasters can result from a severe shortage of water (drought, famine) or too much of it (floods, tsunamis). The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan offers an excellent example of the critical role water can play, given that the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant weathered the 9.0 moment magnitude earthquake well but suffered catastrophic failure from the resulting tsunami. After disasters, water contamination can compound an already miserable situation. This article will discuss the most current literature on the public health implications of water in disasters and offer recommendations for public policy changes to improve water security. Key policy implications include: reestablishment of water and sanitation are top priorities in the immediate post‐disaster period; shelters must not be overcrowded and should have adequate latrines; public health education about personal hygiene is critically important along with liquid soap and safe water to clean hands; supplies of water chlorination products and covered water storage receptacles need to be adequately stockpiled before a disaster.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Public Health Implications of Water in Disasters

McCann

Moore

Walker

2011

“…Disasters are complex events which multiply environmental and health hazards in the post-recovery period (Nicogossian 2011a;2011b). Despite the efforts of the UN and developed countries, and progress to reduce health disparities, many states experiencing recurent natural disasters continue to report poor health outcomes and inequalities (Frieden et al 2011;Zaidi, Kamal, and Baig-Ansari 2010).…”

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confidence: 99%

Poverty, Disparities, Disasters and Global Burden of Disease

Nicogossian

Kloiber²,

Zimmerman

et al. 2012

Self Cite

The world socio-economic situation contributes to increasing poverty, disparities and poor accces to health. Rising poverty levels and disparities continue to slow, and in some cases negate, the hard won achievement in global health. Natural disasters are also on the rise, killing people, destroying services, communities and medical infrastructure, and further exacerbating the plight of the poor and already medically underserved populations. A more efficient use, collaboration and integration of national and international medical and health resources and services will help improve health in vulnerable populations.

“…In a recent editorial, we highlighted the need for focused research to underpin policies and practices for medical professionals and communities (Nicogossian et al 2011a). We also advocated strengthening the role of community training and preparedness throughout the United States (Nicogossian et al 2007).…”

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confidence: 99%

Medical and Public Health Consequences of 2001

Nicogossian

Zimmerman

Kloiber³

et al. 2011

Self Cite

Since 2001 preparedness to respond to the threats and hazards encountered in our daily life is becoming common practice. Disasters, either natural or human made, happen unexpectedly and can cause destruction, especially when threats and risks are ignored. Significant progress has been made in community preparedness, in the U.S. and globally. Yet populations experiencing health and economic disparities have an especially difficult time recovering from disasters and are likely to suffer long‐term health consequences disproportionately. Medical policies and practices targeting these groups should be researched, validated and deployed.