The magnitude of the physical and human costs from wildfires can be reduced if adequate emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery measures are implemented in a sustainable and timely manner.

The World Health Organization (WHO) works with Member States to build resilient and proactive health systems that can anticipate the needs and challenges during emergencies so that they are more likely to reduce risks and respond effectively when needed.

As the health cluster lead for global emergencies, WHO works with partners in preparing, preventing, detecting, responding, and recovering from emergencies and disasters, including environmental. These activities include:

• Putting in place early warning systems and issuing health and air quality advisories;

• Developing national policies, recommendations, and national emergency response plans;

• Strengthening human resources for disaster management; containing the release of hazardous materials;

• Assessing health needs of the community and infrastructure damage;

• Restoring primary care services, like immunization, child and maternal health, and mental health;

• Establishing and managing stocks of relief supplies and equipment, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to emergencies and disasters that are likely to occur in the region; and

• Calling for emergency funding to support health action.

This is why we at 8E-Emergency provide innovative solutions to constantly improve emergency response and disaster management for safer and better-prepared communities worldwide.

Michael Cueto