International Day for Disaster Reduction 2009
International Day for Disaster Reduction 2009 Calls for More Safe Health Facilities
Hospitals Safe from Disasters is the central theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction. The event is celebrated around the world on 14 October 2009 calling for everyone to build resilient health infrastructure with a workforce that is prepared for emergencies.
The theme on safe hospitals has been a priority of the 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction Campaign organized by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The message was brought across during the International Day for Disaster Reduction in October 2008 and World Health Day in April 2009 calling for governments to save lives by making hospitals safe from emergencies. The celebration this year emphasizes that everyone should work together to reduce risk by protecting health facilities in order to save more lives.
Public emergencies are a health issue, and damage to health systems affects nations, communities and every part of society. A resilient infrastructure with prepared personnel is a vital part of a safe community. Everyone must understand the crucial role of health systems in social and economic development and must be committed to their safety.
Art Competition Highlights International Day for Disaster Reduction
In 2006-2007, efforts have focused on the important themes of Safe Schools and Safe Hospitals. The first campaign, “Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School,” recognizes that children are among the most vulnerable groups at high risk for disaster impact, as they suffer physically and psychologically from prolonging effects of disasters such as devastation of school infrastructure. The campaign aims to promote disaster reduction education in school curricula and to improve school safety by encouraging sturdy and reliable construction standards that can withstand natural disasters.
To commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction, UN/ISDR has organized a drawing competition for children with the theme, “Safer Community – Hospital, School, and House of My Dream.” In this competition, children aged 8-15 have been invited to use their artistic talents though drawing and painting to show how safe hospitals, schools, and houses all contribute to a safer and disaster-resilient community. Winning entries will be announced during the programme for the International Day for Disaster Reduction. There will also be an exhibit displaying all chosen entries centered on the said theme. The event will also be marked by messages from keynote speakers, as well as exhibits by partner agencies to be set up alongside the chosen entries.
What is the International Day for Disaster Reduction?
In 1989, the UN General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. This was observed annually during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in 1990 to 1999. In 2001, the General Assembly decided to continue the observance in order to promote a global culture of disaster reduction that includes disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
The International Day for Disaster Reduction raises the profile of disaster risk reduction and will encourage people and governments to participate in building more resilient communities and nations. Disaster reduction is about making sure that natural hazards have reduced impact on lives, livelihoods and development. The way people build, organize and manage communities and the environment is a key to building resilience and reducing risk and vulnerability.
[view IDDR presentation]
[IDDR 2009 flyer, English]