Disasters and Public Health: Planning and Response

Public health emergencies or disasters are events that negatively affect the public health system and its protective infrastructure. This includes water, sanitation, shelter, food, fuel and health, resulting in both direct and indirect consequences on the health of a population. These events result in a large number of deaths, a high number of serious or long-term disabled people, and a risk for future harm in the affected population. A public health emergency system should emphasize on the promotion of capabilities of health systems, communities and individuals to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from an event. Efficient planning is necessary for preparing, responding and recovering from a public health or disaster event afterwards. This book examines the critical intersection between disaster management and public health. The topics included herein provide a comprehensive knowledge of planning and response related to disasters. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for students and professionals involved in this area at various levels.