How do we define a disaster? What is a complex humanitarian emergency? Who is a refugee? Who looks after refugees and internally displaced persons?
How best to prepare a response to an emergency? What are the expected hazards, who is vulnerable, and what is the magnitude of risk to the population?
Populations affected by emergencies have urgent public health needs. Measuring these is critical to mounting an effective response.
Needs must be prioritized and the most urgent needs met quickly; however, the overall response must be effective and long-term outcomes not ignored.
Epidemics are common in emergencies because the physical environmental health is frequently unhealthy. If appropriate public measures are put into place early on, outbreaks can be prevented.
In emergencies, food is often the greatest need; yet knowing what rations are appropriate and distributing them equitably are frequently difficult.
The health status of populations affected by disasters must be monitored by a number of methods, and this surveillance will improve decision-making.
Populations displaced in emergencies are often threatened by diseases, both pre-existing, as well as new disorders arising from a new or altered environment.
Refugees have reproductive health needs that differ from those of others, and some are at increased risk from HIV.
Maintaining neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence, as well as assuring equity in access to services, are some of the ethical issues that emerge during emergencies.
Humanitarian measures are guided by the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians, non-combatants, and health workers during conflicts.
When basic human rights are violated, human security and livelihood are often lost. Awareness and alertness on the part of health workers may prevent many abuses.
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