Health aspects of disaster preparedness and response. Report from a regional meeting of countries of South East Asia; Bangkok, Thailand, 21-23 November 2005.

INTRODUCTION This Supplement is a Report of the Conference convened by the South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Conference was a follow-up to the WHO Conference of May 2005 in Phuket, Thailand on the Earthquake and Tsunami of 26 December 2004. The invitational meeting brought together representatives of 11 countries impacted by the events. The goal of the Conference was to produce a plan of action that meets the specific needs of the countries and ensure that the countries of the Region will be better equipped to cope with any future event. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Conference were to: (1) identify gaps in the health needs of the affected and vulnerable populations for preparedness, responses, recovery, and rehabilitation; (2) determine the next steps in addressing these gaps; and (3) develop benchmarks and a corresponding framework for action that must be achieved to solidify the capacities and capabilities of the health sector to meet emergencies. METHODS Presentations of background papers, panel discussions, and Working Groups were used. Based, in part, on the materials presented, the Working Groups drafted benchmarks that could mark the progress in achieving the overall goal and proposed strategies that could be used to reach the benchmarks. Representatives of the participating countries summarized the current status of their respective countries relative to each of the defined benchmarks. RESULTS The benchmarks relate to: (1) legal framework for preparedness and response; (2) national disaster plan for preparedness and response; (3) budget; (4) rules of engagement for external actors; (5) community plan based on risk identification and vulnerability assessment; (6)community-based capacities; (7) local capacity for provision of essential services and supplies; (8) awareness and advocacy programs; (9) identification of hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities; (10) education and training; (11) "safe" health facilities; and (12) surveillance and early warning systems. There exists a wide range in the levels of preparedness at all levels in the affected countries particularly at the community level. The country representatives agreed that community-level preparedness, legal frameworks, local and national disaster plans, surveillance and early warning systems, and advocacy and awareness programs demand more attention. The strategies and mechanisms that will facilitate achievement of the benchmarks were grouped into seven categories: (1) monitoring, evaluation, surveillance, and assessments; (2) education and training (human resource development); (3) information and communications; (4) legislation, policies, and authority; (5) funding; (6) planning and preparedness; and (7) coordination and control. Any or all of the strategies suggested could be implemented by the countries in the Region. CONCLUSION The Conference delivered an important set of benchmarks and strategies that, when implemented, will facilitate the countries and the communities within them reaching better levels of preparedness and response to future events. Attaining the benchmarks will decrease the number of lives lost and minimize the pain and suffering associated with such events.