Training manual on health and disaster preparedness in rural China

Based on public health theories and illustrated by relevant examples, this manual introduces how health and disaster preparedness education programmes could be organized in remote rural China, which could become useful reference materials for organizers and volunteers of rural development projects. The manual is a summary of experience and insights gained from Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response(CCOUC) Ethnic Minority Health Project, wherein CCOUC has identified five major health and disaster-related risks in rural communities. These include waste management, indoor environment, water and hygiene, health maintaining habits, and disaster risk literacy. Prevalent and emerging risks identified and relevant cost-effective mitigation procedures are detailed and discussed in the manual. Different intervention models and activities are also introduced for application in typical scenarios.

This manual aims to:

• Raise the volunteers’ awareness of common health needs and disaster preparedness in rural China;
• Support planning of health promotion and/or disaster preparedness projects and guide implementation for volunteers and rural project organisers;
• Provide case studies and activity exemplars for fieldbased public health projects;
• Promote multi-disciplinary collaborations and professional exchanges; and
• Enhance community health and disaster preparedness levels in China’s rural communities