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3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM)

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 57609

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Emily Ying Yang Chan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assistant Dean, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: health emergency and disaster risk management; climate change and health; humanitarian medicine; disaster public health; complex interventions; case studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Holly Ching Yu Lam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: environmental epidemiology; public health; climate change and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Disasters and extreme events such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, heatwaves, nuclear/chemical accidents, large-scale pollution incidents, large-scale traffic accidents, and disease outbreaks disrupt lives, affect well-being, and incur tremendous health and public health burdens in societies. Health emergency disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) [1], one of the latest academic and policy frameworks advocated by WHO since 2019, refers to the systematic analysis and management of health risks surrounding emergencies and disasters. The framework argues that prevention plays an important role in reducing hazards and vulnerability along with extending preparedness, response, and recovery measures. This concept also encompasses methodology development, risk analyses, and intervention identification (such as accessible early warning systems, timely deployment of relief workers, and provision of suitable drugs and medical equipment to decrease the impact of disasters and emergencies on people before, during, and after an event(s)). Despite of the rapid momentum gained in this multidisciplinary-based health academic field, major gaps remain in Health-EDRM-related scientific literature to promote technical understanding and facilitate program and policy initiatives for attempts in disaster and emergency risk reduction.

Since 2018, the first [2] and the second edition of the Special Issue of IJERPH focusing on Health-EDRM have selected and published 36 papers successfully. These papers described a diverse range of health-related disaster and emergency risk management analyses that focused on short- and long-term health impacts, associated risk factors, risk assessment methods and tools, multidisciplinary research methods related to program evaluation and policy analysis, etc. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth enormous direct and indirect health impacts globally. The many unresolved issues linked to this novel disease make conducting health risk management and evidence-based response program and policy planning extremely difficult for both health and non-health actors. In response to urgent research needs, a third edition of the Special Issue for Health-EDRM is now calling for submissions. The 3rd Special Issue invites potential authors to submit papers that aim to examine the health, psychosocial health, and public health impacts at all levels (personal, household, community and system/political levels) from any types of disasters and extreme events of human relevance. Papers that illustrate the application of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research methodologies to capture health outcomes or impacts would be particularly welcome. Studies targeting specific health risks such as COVID-19, emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases due to low vaccination coverage, as well as scientific evidence of clinical effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions are highly encouraged. Please indicate the relevance of the submitted work to the theme of this edition (Health-ERDM) in the text.

[1] Chan, E.Y.Y.; Murray, V. What are the health research needs for the Sendai Framework? The Lancet 2017, 390, e35–e36. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31670-7.

[2] Chan, E.Y.Y.; Lam, H.C.Y. Research Frontiers of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management: What Do We Know So Far? Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1807.

Prof. Dr. Emily Ying Yang Chan
Dr. Holly Ching Yu Lam
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Health emergency disaster risk management
  • Natural disasters
  • Emergencies
  • Preparedness
  • Response
  • Resilience
  • Risk assessment
  • Intervention
  • Multidisciplinary methods
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Health-EDRM

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 5615 KiB  
Article
Clustering of Socioeconomic Data in Hong Kong for Planning Better Community Health Protection
by Zhe Huang, Emily Ying Yang Chan, Chi Shing Wong and Benny Chung Ying Zee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312617 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
The concept of socioeconomic vulnerability has made a substantial contribution to the understanding and conceptualization of health risk. To assess the spatial distribution of multi-dimensional socioeconomic vulnerability in an urban context, a vulnerability assessment scheme was proposed to guide decision-making in disaster resilience [...] Read more.
The concept of socioeconomic vulnerability has made a substantial contribution to the understanding and conceptualization of health risk. To assess the spatial distribution of multi-dimensional socioeconomic vulnerability in an urban context, a vulnerability assessment scheme was proposed to guide decision-making in disaster resilience and sustainable urban development to reduce health risk. A two-stage approach was applied in Hong Kong to identify subgroups among Tertiary Planning Units (TPU) (i.e., the local geographic areas) with similar characteristics. In stage 1, principal components analysis was used for dimension reduction and to de-noise the socioeconomic data for each TPU based on the variables selected, while in stage 2, Gaussian mixture modeling was used to partition all the TPUs into different subgroups based on the results of stage 1. This study summarized socioeconomic-vulnerability-related data into five principal components, including indigenous degree, family resilience, individual productivity, populous grassroots, and young-age. According to these five principal components, all TPUs were clustered into five subgroups/clusters. Socioeconomic vulnerability is a concept that could be used to help identify areas susceptible to health risk, and even identify susceptible groups in affluent areas. More attention should be paid to areas with high populous grassroots scores and low young-age score since they were associated with a higher mortality rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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17 pages, 664 KiB  
Article
Population Adherence to Infection Control Behaviors during Hong Kong’s First and Third COVID-19 Waves: A Serial Cross-Sectional Study
by Emily Ying Yang Chan, Jean H. Kim, Kin-on Kwok, Zhe Huang, Kevin Kei Ching Hung, Eliza Lai Yi Wong, Eric Kam Pui Lee and Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111176 - 24 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4258
Abstract
Background: Although COVID-19 has affected over 220 countries by October 2021, there is limited research examining the patterns and determinants of adherence to infection control measures over time. Aims: Our study examines the sociodemographic factors associated with changes in the frequency of adherence [...] Read more.
Background: Although COVID-19 has affected over 220 countries by October 2021, there is limited research examining the patterns and determinants of adherence to infection control measures over time. Aims: Our study examines the sociodemographic factors associated with changes in the frequency of adherence to personal hygiene and social distancing behaviors in Hong Kong. Methods: A serial cross-sectional telephone survey in the general population was conducted during the first (March 2020) (n = 765) and third wave (December 2020) (n = 651) of the local outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents were asked about their level of compliance with various personal hygiene and social distancing recommendations. Results: By the third wave, mask use increased to 100%, and throughout the study periods, >90% practiced frequent hand hygiene. However, adherence to social distancing measures significantly waned over time: avoidance of social gatherings (80.5% to 72.0%), avoidance of public places/public transport (53.3% to 26.0%), avoidance of international travel (85.8% to 76.6%) (p < 0.05). The practice of ordering food takeout/home delivery, however, increased, particularly among high-income respondents. Higher education, female gender and employment status were the most consistently associated factors with adherence to COVID-19 preventive practices in the multivariable models. Conclusions: In urban areas of this region, interventions to improve personal hygiene in a prolonged pandemic should target males and those with low education. In addition to these groups, the working population needs to be targeted in order to improve adherence to social distancing guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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22 pages, 2092 KiB  
Article
Revising “Nutritional Reference Values for Feeding at Evacuation Shelters” According to Nutrition Assistance by Public Health Dietitians Based on Past Major Natural Disasters in Japan: A Qualitative Study
by Noriko Sudo, Ikuko Shimada, Nobuyo Tsuboyama-Kasaoka and Keiichi Sato
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910063 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2100
Abstract
It is important to provide nutritionally adequate food in shelters to maintain the health of evacuees. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has released the “Nutritional Reference Values for Evacuation Shelters” (Reference Values) after [...] Read more.
It is important to provide nutritionally adequate food in shelters to maintain the health of evacuees. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has released the “Nutritional Reference Values for Evacuation Shelters” (Reference Values) after every major natural disaster. There is clear evidence, however, that the Reference Values have only been used infrequently. This study aims to revise these guidelines to include the actual situation in the affected areas and the feasibility of the endeavor. This qualitative study uses group interviews with local government dietitians to propose revisions to Japan’s Reference Values. These revisions include the following: issuing Reference Values within 1 week of a disaster, showing one type of values for meal planning for each age group, showing the minimum values of vitamins, upgrading salt to basic components, creating three phases of nutrition (Day 1, Days 1–3, and After Day 4), stipulating food amounts rather than nutrient values, and creating a manual. Local government officials could use the Reference Values as guidelines for choosing food reserves, and dietitians could use them while formulating supplementary nutrition strategies for a model menu in preparation for disasters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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15 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Filling the Gaps in the Pharmacy Workforce in Post-Conflict Areas: Experience from Four Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Anabelle Wong, Kevin K. C. Hung, Mzwandile Mabhala, Justin W. Tenney and Colin A. Graham
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158132 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2376
Abstract
Background: While the pharmacy workforce is the third largest professional healthcare group worldwide, the pharmacy workforce landscape remains unclear in post-conflict areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Key informants were selected for semi-structured interviews due to their role in providing pharmacy services in the [...] Read more.
Background: While the pharmacy workforce is the third largest professional healthcare group worldwide, the pharmacy workforce landscape remains unclear in post-conflict areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Key informants were selected for semi-structured interviews due to their role in providing pharmacy services in the selected country: the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Transcripts from the interviews were anonymized, coded, and analyzed. Results: Nine participants were recruited (CAR: 2; DRC: 2; Ethiopia: 2; South Sudan: 3), and all except two were pharmacists. Conflict-specific challenges in pharmacy service delivery were identified as the following: unpredictable health needs and/or mismatched pharmaceutical supply, transport difficulties due to insecure roads, and shortage of pharmacy workforce due to brain drain or interrupted schooling. Barriers to health workforce retention and growth were identified to be brain drain as a result of suboptimal living and working conditions or remuneration, the perception of an unsafe work environment, and a career pathway or commitment duration that does not fit the diaspora or expatriate staff. Conclusion: To tackle the barriers of pharmacy health workforce retention and growth, policy solutions will be required and efforts that can bring about long-term improvement should be prioritized. This is essential to achieve universal health coverage and the targets of the sustainable development goals for conflict affected areas, as well as to “leave no one behind”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
13 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Maintaining Quality of Care among Dialysis Patients in Affected Areas after Typhoon Morakot
by Chia-Ming Chang, Tzu-Yuan Stessa Chao, Yi-Ting Huang, Yi-Fang Tu, Tzu-Ching Sung, Jung-Der Wang and Hsin-I Shih
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147400 - 11 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2330
Abstract
Natural disasters have negative health impacts on patients who need dialysis in affected areas. Severely affected areas are usually rural, with limited basic infrastructure and a population without optimal dialysis-specific care after a disaster. A population-based longitudinal case–cohort study enrolled 715,244 adults from [...] Read more.
Natural disasters have negative health impacts on patients who need dialysis in affected areas. Severely affected areas are usually rural, with limited basic infrastructure and a population without optimal dialysis-specific care after a disaster. A population-based longitudinal case–cohort study enrolled 715,244 adults from the National Health Insurance Registry who lived in areas affected by a major natural disaster, Typhoon Morakot, in 2009. The observation period was from 2008 to 2011. A total of 13,268 patients (1.85%) had a history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Of the ESRD patients, 1264 patients (9.5%) received regular dialysis. Only eight patients missed dialysis sessions in the first month after the disaster. Compared to the moderately affected areas, the incidences of acute cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases were higher in patients in severely affected areas. Male dialysis patients aged 45–75 years had a higher mortality rate than that of the general population. Among the affected adults receiving regular dialysis, patients with diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–2.08) or a history of cerebrovascular disease (aHR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.12–2.21), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma (aHR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.24–3.17) in moderately affected areas had significantly elevated mortality rates. Additionally, among dialysis patients living in severely affected areas, those with a history of cerebrovascular disease (aHR: 4.52 95% CI: 2.28–8.79) had an elevated mortality rate. Early evacuation plans and high-quality, accessible care for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are essential to support affected populations before and after disasters to improve dialysis patients’ health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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14 pages, 638 KiB  
Article
CCOUC Ethnic Minority Health Project: A Case Study for Health EDRM Initiatives to Improve Disaster Preparedness in a Rural Chinese Population
by Kevin K. C. Hung, Makiko K. MacDermot, Emily Y. Y. Chan, Sida Liu, Zhe Huang, Chi S. Wong, Joseph H. Walline and Colin A. Graham
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105322 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3048
Abstract
Disasters disproportionately impact poor and marginalised populations due to greater vulnerability induced by various risk determinants, such as compromised living conditions, language barriers, and limited resources for disaster risk management. Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM) emphasises a people- and community-centred [...] Read more.
Disasters disproportionately impact poor and marginalised populations due to greater vulnerability induced by various risk determinants, such as compromised living conditions, language barriers, and limited resources for disaster risk management. Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM) emphasises a people- and community-centred approach for building stronger capacities in communities and countries since community members are often the first responders to health emergencies and should be central to effective risk management. A key action for promoting community disaster preparedness is the provision of Health EDRM education interventions. The Ethnic Minority Health Project (EHMP) has provided community-based Health EDRM education interventions in 16 ethnic minority-based villages in remote areas of China since 2009. It aims to enhance community disaster preparedness and resilience by improving health-risk literacy and self-help capacity at the individual and household levels. This case study outlines the first EHMP project in an ethnic minority-based community (Ma’an Qiao Village) in Sichuan Province, China. It highlights the key elements for planning and managing such a project and is a good demonstration of an effective Health EDRM workforce development project in rural communities. This report concludes with five recommendations for setting up a sustainable and effective Health EDRM education intervention in similar contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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11 pages, 1908 KiB  
Article
Prolonged Maternal and Child Health, Food and Nutrition Problems after the Kumamoto Earthquake: Semantic Network Analysis of Interviews with Dietitians
by Nobuyo Tsuboyama-Kasaoka, Mari Hamada, Kae Ohnishi, Sakiko Ueda, Yukako Ito, Hisae Nakatani, Noriko Sudo and Ritsuna Noguchi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052309 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Infants need sufficient nutrients even during disasters. Only qualitative descriptive analysis has been reported regarding nutritional problems of mothers and children after the Kumamoto earthquake, and non-subjective analysis is required. This study examined issues concerning maternal and child health, food and nutrition after [...] Read more.
Infants need sufficient nutrients even during disasters. Only qualitative descriptive analysis has been reported regarding nutritional problems of mothers and children after the Kumamoto earthquake, and non-subjective analysis is required. This study examined issues concerning maternal and child health, food and nutrition after the Kumamoto earthquake using automatic computer quantitative analysis from focus group interviews (FGIs). Study participants (n = 13) consisted of dietitians in charge of nutrition assistance of infants in affected areas. The content of the interviews was converted into text, nouns were extracted, and co-occurrence network diagram analysis was performed. In the severely damaged area, there were hygienic problems not only in the acute phase but also in the mid-to-long-term phase. “Allergy” was extracted in the surrounding area in the acute and the mid-to-long-term phase, but not in the severely damaged area as the acute phase issue. In the surrounding area, problems have shifted to health and the quality of diet in the mid-to-long-term phase. This objective analysis suggested that dietary problems for mothers and children after disaster occurred also in the mid-to-long-term phase. It will be necessary to combine the overall trends obtained in this study with the results of qualitative descriptive analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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Review

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16 pages, 1552 KiB  
Review
Urban–Rural Partnership Framework to Enhance Food–Energy–Water Security in the Post-COVID-19 Era
by Priyanka Mitra, Rajib Shaw, Vibhas Sukhwani, Bijon Kumer Mitra, Md Abiar Rahman, Sameer Deshkar and Devesh Sharma
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312493 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2843
Abstract
Food, energy, and water (collectively referred to as ‘FEW’) security forms the key to human survival as well as socioeconomic development. However, the security of these basic resources is increasingly threatened due to growing demand. Beyond the widespread implications on public health, Coronavirus [...] Read more.
Food, energy, and water (collectively referred to as ‘FEW’) security forms the key to human survival as well as socioeconomic development. However, the security of these basic resources is increasingly threatened due to growing demand. Beyond the widespread implications on public health, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has further raised additional challenges for FEW security, particularly for urban populations, as they mainly outsource their FEW demands from rural areas outside their physical boundaries. In light of that, this study reviews existing literature on FEW security to highlight the growing relevance of urban–rural linkages for realizing FEW security, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, relevant research documents have been identified through Elsevier’s Scopus database and other sources (by applying search equations). The authors have accordingly underlined the necessity of shifting the conventional urban-centric approach to city region-centric development planning for the post-COVID-19 era. To this end, a framework has been suggested for translating physical urban–rural linkages to a partnership enhancing a collective response. The major elements of this framework are the conceptualization of national-level policies to support urban–rural linkages. The framework can play the role of a science–policy–action interface to redesign the FEW system in city regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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20 pages, 12241 KiB  
Review
Narrative Review of Primary Preventive Interventions against Water-Borne Diseases: Scientific Evidence of Health-EDRM in Contexts with Inadequate Safe Drinking Water
by Emily Ying Yang Chan, Kimberley Hor Yee Tong, Caroline Dubois, Kiara Mc Donnell, Jean H. Kim, Kevin Kei Ching Hung and Kin On Kwok
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312268 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5142
Abstract
Waterborne diseases account for 1.5 million deaths a year globally, particularly affecting children in low-income households in subtropical areas. It is one of the most enduring and economically devastating biological hazards in our society today. The World Health Organization Health Emergency and Disaster [...] Read more.
Waterborne diseases account for 1.5 million deaths a year globally, particularly affecting children in low-income households in subtropical areas. It is one of the most enduring and economically devastating biological hazards in our society today. The World Health Organization Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (health-EDRM) Framework highlights the importance of primary prevention against biological hazards across all levels of society. The framework encourages multi-sectoral coordination and lessons sharing for community risk resilience. A narrative review, conducted in March 2021, identified 88 English-language articles published between January 2000 and March 2021 examining water, sanitation, and hygiene primary prevention interventions against waterborne diseases in resource-poor settings. The literature identified eight main interventions implemented at personal, household and community levels. The strength of evidence, the enabling factors, barriers, co-benefits, and alternative measures were reviewed for each intervention. There is an array of evidence available across each intervention, with strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of water treatment and safe household water storage. Studies show that at personal and household levels, interventions are effective when applied together. Furthermore, water and waste management will have a compounding impact on vector-borne diseases. Mitigation against waterborne diseases require coordinated, multi-sectoral governance, such as building sanitation infrastructure and streamlined waste management. The review showed research gaps relating to evidence-based alternative interventions for resource-poor settings and showed discrepancies in definitions of various interventions amongst research institutions, creating challenges in the direct comparison of results across studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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Other

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5 pages, 272 KiB  
Commentary
Challenges of Data Availability and Use in Conducting Health-EDRM Research in a Post-COVID-19 World
by Emily Ying Yang Chan, Debarati Guha-Sapir, Caroline Dubois, Rajib Shaw and Chi Sing Wong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073917 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2219
Abstract
Disasters disrupt communication channels, infrastructure, and overburden health systems. This creates unique challenges to the functionality of surveillance tools, data collection systems, and information sharing platforms. The WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) framework highlights the need for appropriate data collection, [...] Read more.
Disasters disrupt communication channels, infrastructure, and overburden health systems. This creates unique challenges to the functionality of surveillance tools, data collection systems, and information sharing platforms. The WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) framework highlights the need for appropriate data collection, data interpretation, and data use from individual, community, and global levels. The COVID-19 crisis has evolved the way hazards and risks are viewed. No longer as a linear event but as a protracted hazard, with cascading and compound risks that affect communities facing complex risks such as climate-related disasters or urban growth. The large-scale disruptions of COVID-19 show that disaster data must evolve beyond mortality and frequency of events, in order to encompass the impact on the livelihood of communities, differentiated between population groups. This includes relative economic losses and psychosocial damage. COVID-19 has created a global opportunity to review how the scientific community classifies data, and how comparable indicators are selected to inform evidence-based resilience building and emergency preparedness. A shift into microlevel data, and regional-level information sharing is necessary to tailor community-level interventions for risk mitigation and disaster preparedness. Real-time data sharing, open governance, cross-organisational, and inter-platform collaboration are necessary not just in Health-EDRM and control of biological hazards, but for all natural hazards and man-made disasters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
7 pages, 265 KiB  
Conference Report
Progress towards the Development of Research Agenda and the Launch of Knowledge Hub: The WHO Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (Health EDRM RN)
by Ryoma Kayano, Shuhei Nomura, Jonathan Abrahams, Qudsia Huda, Emily Y. Y. Chan and Virginia Murray
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094959 - 07 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3341
Abstract
In response to the increasing burden of recent health emergencies and disasters, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners established the WHO thematic platform for health emergency and disaster risk management research network (health EDRM RN) in 2016, with the purposes of [...] Read more.
In response to the increasing burden of recent health emergencies and disasters, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners established the WHO thematic platform for health emergency and disaster risk management research network (health EDRM RN) in 2016, with the purposes of promoting global research collaboration among various stakeholders and enhancing research activities that generate evidence to manage health risks associated with all types of emergencies and disasters. With the strong support and involvement of all WHO regional offices, the health EDRM RN now works with more than 200 global experts and partners to implement its purposes. The 1st and 2nd Core Group Meetings of the health EDRM RN were held on 17–18 October 2019 and 27 November 2020, respectively, to discuss the development of a global research agenda that the health EDRM RN will focus on facilitating, promoting, synthesizing and implementing, taking into account the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (health EDRM RN research agenda). A focus of the meetings was the establishment of an online platform to share information and knowledge, including the databases that the health EDRM RN accumulates (WHO health EDRM knowledge hub). This paper presents a summary of the discussion results of the meetings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
10 pages, 294 KiB  
Conference Report
Expected Scopes of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM): Report on the Expert Workshop at the Annual Conference for the Japanese Association for Disaster Medicine 2020
by Shuhei Nomura, Ryoma Kayano, Shinichi Egawa, Nahoko Harada and Yuichi Koido
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094447 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2950
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners established the WHO Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (HEALTH EDRM RN) in 2016 to respond to the increasing burden of recent health emergencies and disasters. The mission of the [...] Read more.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners established the WHO Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (HEALTH EDRM RN) in 2016 to respond to the increasing burden of recent health emergencies and disasters. The mission of the HEALTH EDRM RN, whose secretariat is located at the WHO Kobe Centre (WKC), is to promote global research collaboration and strengthen research activities to inform policies and programs by generating new evidence to manage health risks associated with all types of emergencies and disasters. With the strong support and involvement of all WHO regional offices, the HEALTH EDRM RN now works with more than 200 global experts and partners to pursue its mission. The first Core Group Meetings of the HEALTH EDRM RN were held on 17–18 October 2019, and concluded with the HEALTH EDRM RN-activity priorities to (1) promote operational research to better meet the needs of emergency- and disaster-exposed individuals and communities and efforts to translate science to policies and programs and (2) strengthen the research capacity of the Health EDRM community. In collaboration with the Japanese Association for Disaster Medicine, the WKC held a workshop on 21 February 2020, in which 20 Japanese experts from different research fields participated to further discuss these two points. This paper summarizes the discussion at the workshop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
14 pages, 704 KiB  
Perspective
Health Workforce Development in Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management: The Need for Evidence-Based Recommendations
by Kevin K. C. Hung, Sonoe Mashino, Emily Y. Y. Chan, Makiko K. MacDermot, Satchit Balsari, Gregory R. Ciottone, Francesco Della Corte, Marcelo F. Dell’Aringa, Shinichi Egawa, Bettina D. Evio, Alexander Hart, Hai Hu, Tadashi Ishii, Luca Ragazzoni, Hiroyuki Sasaki, Joseph H. Walline, Chi S. Wong, Hari K. Bhattarai, Saurabh Dalal, Ryoma Kayano, Jonathan Abrahams and Colin A. Grahamadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073382 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7445
Abstract
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, [...] Read more.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, describes the functions required for comprehensive disaster risk management across prevention, preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery to improve the resilience and health security of communities, countries, and health systems. Evidence-based Health EDRM workforce development is vital. However, there are still significant gaps in the evidence identifying common competencies for training and education programmes, and the clarification of strategies for workforce retention, motivation, deployment, and coordination. Initiated in June 2020, this project includes literature reviews, case studies, and an expert consensus (modified Delphi) study. Literature reviews in English, Japanese, and Chinese aim to identify research gaps and explore core competencies for Health EDRM workforce training. Thirteen Health EDRM related case studies from six WHO regions will illustrate best practices (and pitfalls) and inform the consensus study. Consensus will be sought from global experts in emergency and disaster medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines. Recommendations for developing effective health workforce strategies for low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries will then be disseminated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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14 pages, 1284 KiB  
Commentary
Better Understanding Insurance Mechanism in Dealing with Climate Change Risk, with Special Reference to China
by Feng Kong and Shao Sun
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062996 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3972
Abstract
Climate change risk has become an important challenge for global sustainable development. The insurance industry can play an important role in coping with the increasingly severe climate change risk. This paper first describes the increasing climate change risk and the difficulties of the [...] Read more.
Climate change risk has become an important challenge for global sustainable development. The insurance industry can play an important role in coping with the increasingly severe climate change risk. This paper first describes the increasing climate change risk and the difficulties of the insurance mechanism in dealing with it. Then this paper summarizes the international practice of using the insurance mechanism to deal with climate change risk from ten different aspects. Based on the summary of the role of the insurance mechanism in dealing with this risk in developing countries, this paper puts forward the main application areas for climate change risk insurance and discusses the policy implications of developing climate change risk insurance in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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13 pages, 313 KiB  
Commentary
Reflection of Challenges and Opportunities within the COVID-19 Pandemic to Include Biological Hazards into DRR Planning
by Emily Ying Yang Chan, Caroline Dubois, Ada Ho Yin Fong, Rajib Shaw, Ranit Chatterjee, Ambika Dabral, Antonia Loyzaga, Yong-kyun Kim, Kevin Kei Ching Hung and Chi Shing Wong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041614 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5333
Abstract
COVID-19 has reinforced the need to revisit the integration of health within disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for biological hazards in a system-wide approach. In November 2020, DRR experts attended the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (APP-DRR) Forum to share progress and [...] Read more.
COVID-19 has reinforced the need to revisit the integration of health within disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for biological hazards in a system-wide approach. In November 2020, DRR experts attended the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (APP-DRR) Forum to share progress and learnings in the areas of health system resilience, data management, residual risk management, risk communication, digital literacy, and knowledge product marketing. Advancements for health in DRR included the importance of multi-sectoral, multi-hazard action plans; adaptation to technological advancements in data collection, dissemination and protection; promoting the health and wellbeing of essential and nonprofessional workers; and improving inclusivity in digital literacy. COVID-19 has affected progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and created a unique opportunity within DRR to re-evaluate the adequacy of response mechanisms against concurrent, cascading or interacting risks of future biological hazards. Health emergency disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) is a new World Health Organization paradigm that includes DRR at intra-, inter- and multidisciplinary levels. Scientific advancement under Health-EDRM is necessary for health and non-health actors in DRR education and research. Continuous education on the multifaceted risk governance is a key to building awareness, capacity and accelerating towards achieving the international DRR and the SDG targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
8 pages, 714 KiB  
Conference Report
Report of Alliance of International Science Organizations on Disaster Risk Reduction (ANSO-DRR) Conference 2020
by Emily Ying Yang Chan, Chi Shing Wong, Kevin Kei Ching Hung, Gretchen Kalonji, Peng Cui, Gordon Zhou and Rajib Shaw
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238772 - 26 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2699
Abstract
This article summarizes the proceedings of the four-session meeting (webinar) conducted by the Alliance of International Science Organizations on Disaster Risk Reduction (ANSO-DRR) on 18 May 2020. ANSO-DRR is an international, nonprofit and nongovernmental scientific alliance bringing together academies of science, research organizations [...] Read more.
This article summarizes the proceedings of the four-session meeting (webinar) conducted by the Alliance of International Science Organizations on Disaster Risk Reduction (ANSO-DRR) on 18 May 2020. ANSO-DRR is an international, nonprofit and nongovernmental scientific alliance bringing together academies of science, research organizations and universities which share a strong interest in disaster risk reduction in the regions along the land-based and maritime routes of the Belt and Road Initiative. ANSO-DRR convenes an annual meeting to review its work progress and discuss its scientific programs. The first session was the opening statements and was followed by the introduction and updates on ANSO-DRR in the second session. The third session was the depiction of the big picture of ANSO, the umbrella organization of ANSO-DRR, led by the Assistant Executive Director of ANSO, while the fourth session was a presentation of perspectives on the strategic development of ANSO-DRR. One of ANSO-DRR’s key strategies is to enhance disaster mitigation and response through multidisciplinary cooperation among disaster and healthcare sciences (i.e., health emergency and disaster risk management (Health-EDRM)). It aims to enhance DRR efforts by performing as an instrument in connecting people along the Belt and Road regions, focusing on DRR resource and database development, involving higher education institutions in DRR efforts and increasing disaster resilience in built infrastructures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM))
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