Abstract
Health service delivery is susceptible to a spate of disasters. It stands
to reason that Disaster Risk Reduction theorised in the paper, would
prevent the destructive effects of natural or man-made disasters, and
address overwhelming demands for primary and quality health care.
Disaster planning and response within the health sector is important in
promoting an efficient, effective and economical service delivery. The
paper locates the discussion within the Department of Health in
general, with a brief discussion on global impacts on health.
Typologies of health challenges include a lack of integrated planning,
disasters and risks are not a priority in management’s agenda, and a
reactive approach is adopted. The authors advocate a multidisciplinary
activities and cooperative interaction from all
stakeholders. Responsibility rests on a well-integrated Disaster Risk
Reduction framework for use in the health districts and the health
sector overall. This paper is a contribution to contemporary
perspectives in relation to current trends and issues relating to disaster
risk reduction. The intention is to expand attention of disaster risk
reduction and management for health from that of response and
recovery to a more proactive approach accentuating preparedness and
mitigation (health risk management). It concludes that robust health
systems inclusive of Primary Health Care can initially lessen
fundamental vulnerability; thereafter, protect health facilities and
services; and finally scale-up response to meet the comprehensive
health needs during disastrous incidents making disaster risk
reduction a strategic initiative. The paper therefore, emphasises disaster risk reduction to address risks in health service delivery, and
to plan for potential vulnerabilities as non-negotiables.
Details
| Other ID | JA85RB72SC |
|---|---|
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Publication Date | June 1, 2017 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2017 Volume: 9 Issue: 2 |