Disaster risk reduction for health facilities in the Western Pacific region

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative report on the implementation of activities aimed at reducing disaster risks through safer health facilities in the Western Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach: In response to the Global Campaign on Hospitals Safe from Disasters 2008-2009, the World Health Organization, with support from the European Commission, provided tools that enabled government, communities and institutions to reduce the risks of their hospitals and health facilities from disasters due to natural hazards. Target countries included Cambodia, Lao PDR, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Different activities were implemented based on country needs, contexts and capacities. Findings: Hospital assessments revealed gaps in infrastructure, essential emergency equipment and functional capacity. Enhancing preparedness and resilience of health facilities is a vital component to ensure risk mitigation and disaster response in communities. Research limitations/implications: The report calls for further studies on specific gaps in health sector capacity, deficiencies in health infrastructure and economic analysis. Practical implications: The health sector should implement disaster risk reduction and preparedness strategies through the support of local and national governments. Originality/value: This is the first report on risk reduction initiatives in the health sector in developing countries in the region. Written at the regional perspective, it engages national and local governments, health policy makers and health facility administrators in the public and private sectors.