Natural Disasters: Protecting the Public's Health

A didactic guide to all health-related measures needed to prepare for natural disasters, reduce their immediate impact, and facilitate recovery. Noting that all natural disasters share several features, the book aims to provide a framework that administrators can rely on when planning and managing the health sector's response. Details range from a list of eight misconceptions that may cause authorities to take inappropriate action, through a discussion of the sensitive issues surrounding inappropriate drug and food donations, to a distinction between responsibilities best handled by the affected country and those requiring international aid. Throughout the book, recent experiences from the Americas are used to illustrate both the impact of specific types of disaster and opportunities for mitigating their effects.