Minimizing health impact of emergencies and disasters
The Western Pacific Region is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, floods, landslides and droughts. Examples include the China Wenchuan Earthquake in May 2008, the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and typhoons and flooding disasters in the Philippines in 2009 and 2011. All resulted in enormous loss of life and serious damage and destruction to health infrastructure and health systems.
The Emergency and Humanitarian Action (EHA) programme in the Division of Health Security and Emergencies (DSE) in WHO's Western Pacific Regional Office works with Member States and partners to minimize the health impact of emergencies and disasters.