Health, disasters and development. The Role of Educational Institutions.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR DISASTER Ms. Claudia Gomez Prieto 2002

Natural disasters-earthquakes, cyclones, floods, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, etc .- blinded millions of lives. In the last twenty years have also produced some kind of impact about 800 million people, and caused losses of more than 50,000 million dollars only in property damage.

Eric Noji As stated in its report "The Nature of Disasters. Characteristics and effects on public health?, A major disaster occurs almost daily in the world, and a natural one, which requires international support for affected populations is presented weekly.

Moreover, based on threats of disasters are likely to be worse in the future. Increasing population density in flood-prone land in vulnerable coastal areas and near fault lines, the development and transport of many toxic and hazardous materials, and the rapid industrialization of developing countries have drawn attention of specialists on the future occurrence of disasters, with the potential for millions of people homeless. In fact, our planet will continue over the coming decades exposed to countless storms, floods, landslides, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, droughts, volcanic eruptions, which unfortunately must be added those related to urban violence, terrorism, and emergency complex, with large numbers of displaced populations.

The consequences of disasters include current economic conditions, collapse of political structures, violence, social conflicts, famine, disease and mass displacement of populations.

Much of the damage caused by natural and manmade disasters could be avoided with the basic implementation of prevention and preparedness measures.

Definition of desastresLos disasters are sudden events or progression unstoppable, causing damage and human losses and material of such magnitude or severity exceeding the response capacity of conventional systems, justifying the mobilization of extra resources.

Disasters can be divided into two broad categories:

- Those triggered by natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods.

- Those caused by human intervention, war, violence, terrorism, mass casualty, chemical and nuclear accidents, etc..

Complex emergencies usually involve situations in which people suffer accidents and loss of property, basic services and livelihoods as a result of war, civil strife or other political conflicts in the alarming rise in the world. In many cases people are forced to leave their homes temporarily or permanently, others become refugees in other countries.

In technological disasters, a large number of people directly affected by major industrial accidents, severe pollution incidents, unplanned nuclear discharges, major fires, explosions, hazardous substances, and so on.

There is a link that should always be taken into account between natural disasters and those caused by man, that can trigger secondary disasters - a fire after an earthquake, environmental contamination after a flood - that deepen individual and community vulnerability.

In developing countries there are factors that contribute to the occurrence and severity of disasters and their consequences:

Poverty and social inequity. Unequal access to basic services and environmental services salud.Degradación misuse tierra.Rápido without population growth and family planning measures appropriate city.

Disasters and saludActualmente have enough information about the causes and nature of disasters, and populations at risk. This knowledge allows us to anticipate some of the effects of disasters on the health of affected communities

From the health perspective, disasters are defined by their effect on biopsychosocial welfare of the people

The health consequences of disasters go far beyond what conventional indicators show deaths and injuries, and their impact is not only considered initially.

When you disturb the water and sanitation services or large numbers of people are homeless. risks in the medium and long term can encompass a range of disorders and diseases such as malnutrition, communicable diseases and mental disorders.

Consequently, the health sector should participate in multisectoral planning process, implementation, and evaluation of risk management in relation to disasters.

Health, disasters and development. The role of educational institutions

The Pan American Health Organization, PAHO / WHO has urged member countries to strengthen their programs of preparation for health emergencies.

The importance attached to the issue of disasters and their relation to health in the curricula of educational institutions, especially in the curriculum of the medical career, and others related to Health, is an indicator of commitment a country long term.

Incorporating the theme of Health and Disasters in the curricula of training institutions in health human resources has evolved significantly in recent years. The work promoted by PAHO / WHO has been developed in each country by health ministries and some of the most representative national universities.

It should be noted that the attention of the academic world should not focus only on high-profile disasters that are served by highly specialized equipment. In most countries, health workers are poorly or inadequately prepared to deal with emergencies of lesser magnitude but occur more frequently, which is responsible for training institutions to prepare them to confront and ultimately prevent the effects of less visible crisis affecting the health of their communities.

It is recognized that universities are institutions of excellence in each country doing scientific input for the identification of needs, clarification of terminology, deepening and updating of research concepts and relevant health events.

The health disaster management has been recognized as a valuable discipline being taught to new generations of doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other members of health teams.

The university must promote a fruitful dialogue between professionals and exchange and discussion with other universities, facilitating the transfer of experience, creative innovation and technical collaboration.

The inclusion of the issue of Disasters at the University

Given the importance of the issue Health in disaster situations, and the necessary inclusion of Mental Health problems from a holistic perspective, Mental Health Program in Emergency and Disaster Mental Health Department of the Clinical Hospital Center is proposed as study research and training in the subject.

Investigate the processes involved in Mental Health and Disaster situations, both individual and community level. Include the issue of emergencies and disasters on the education of future médicos.Contribuir the training of technicians and specialists tema.Transferir knowledge to the scientific, technical, educational, health, industrial, and programs políticos.Desarrollar afines.Investigar cooperation with national desaster the effects on the health of the population.

The consideration of the issue of health in disaster situations is a necessity and an inescapable responsibility of the State.

Be seen in the development of policy and national strategies to cope with disasters and their consequences within sustainable development plans across the country.

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires, given their academic, scientific development and its commitment to the community that supports it, can not remain indifferent to this challenge and responsibility for the professional profile of future physicians face the health situation of our time, contributing to the formation of long-term solutions in a development perspective.

To the extent that the subject is involved in the academic curriculum of health careers will advance progressively. The losses and damage to health caused by disasters will be lower and the ability to offer professional services to these events will be provided on demand with timeliness and efficiency criteria

Ms. Claudia Gomez Prieto

Mental Health Program Coordinator for Emergency and Disaster

Department of Mental Health Clinics Hospital

Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires