Strengthening health systems' response to crises, towards a new focus on disaster preparedness

Report on a WHO workshop, Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 13–15 July 2004

Disasters have enormous consequences, socially and economically, and have long-term detrimental effects, especially on vulnerable societies and population groups. The people affected have a right to receive adequate help. Support and appropriate assistance should be provided according to their specific needs. Disaster preparedness is primarily the responsibility of national authorities and provides an excellent opportunity for community involvement. This report is a result of a three-day workshop on strengthening national disaster preparedness capacity of health systems to respond to crises in the WHO European Region. The workshop was attended by representatives of 12 Member States of the European Region, laying the ground for further collaboration to improve effective partnerships between all Member States and the WHO Regional Office for Europe in the field of disaster preparedness and response.