Damaged Healthcare Facility
Dominica
In September 2017, Hurricane Maria – a powerful Category 5 hurricane – ravaged through several islands in the Caribbean, including the Commonwealth of Dominica. The aftermath of the hurricane left the island nation without power, with severely damaged roads and bridges, and inoperable healthcare facilities prompting immediate international humanitarian relief intervention. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) mobilized external resources and experts from the region to support a health response operation that targeted the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities and strengthening epidemiological surveillance systems.
Emergency Management engagement focused on:
- Health facility damage and needs assessment
- Health facility restoration
- Distribution of medical relief items
- Medical warehouse management
- Repatriation of medevac patients
- Supporting epidemiological surveillance efforts
- Administrative and logistical support to PAHO field response teams
Philippines
In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Typhoon Yolanda) heavily impacted the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines. The World Health Organization (WHO) quickly mobilized to respond to the overwhelming health needs in affected areas and engaged experienced experts to support their response operations.
Emergency Management engagement focused on:
- WHO Country Office EOC coordination with humanitarian partners within the UN Health and Logistics Clusters
- Engagement with local government public health officials
- Restoration of health systems and services in impacted areas
- Establishment of a temporary health logistics management system