SEA/RC57/R3 EMERGENCY HEALTH PREPAREDNESS The Regional Committee, Recalling World Health Assembly resolutions WHA34.26, WHA42.16, WHA44.41 and WHA46.6, and its own resolution SEA/RC44/R5 relating to emergency health preparedness and response, Noting the rising frequency of natural disasters and man-made emergencies in recent years affecting human lives and causing socioeconomic burden, Acknowledging the considerable efforts made by Member States in dealing with health emergencies with appropriate preparedness and response, and Having considered the report and recommendations of the Technical Discussions on Emergency Health Preparedness, held during the 41st meeting of the Consultative Committee for Programme Development and Management (document SEA/RC57/11), 1. 2. ENDORSES the recommendations contained in the report; URGES Member States: a. To further strengthen the development of national policies, legislation and programmes on emergency health risk reduction, by investing and incorporating risk management, vulnerability assessment and mitigation initiatives in health and development planning; To strengthen the ministries of health, to take the lead in coordinating actions for preparedness and response to deal with health emergencies, To enhance the capacity of the health sector and other key institutions for better emergency health preparedness in areas such as risk planning and management, risk communication, information management and emergency management, and To support key activities such as mapping of resources, involving communities, collaborating with various sectors and mobilizing resources, and
b. c.
d. 3.
REQUESTS the Regional Director: a. to intensify collaboration with Member States and relevant partners in strengthening emergency health preparedness and response comprehensively, including logistics, recovery and rehabilitation, mitigation and prevention activities; to facilitate timely action for enhancing interregional and intercountry cooperation and exchange of expertise and information, and to assist in the mobilization of resources for ensuring emergency preparedness and response in Member States. Fifth Meeting, 9 September 2004
b. c.