International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Day | 10.14.2008 | 08:12:26 | Views: 12524 | ID: October 14 '08: Last week, October 8, the United Nations observed the International Day for Disaster Reduction. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said recent disasters such as Cyclone Nargis and the Wenchuan Earthquake have pushed highlighted the imperative for international disaster response initiatives and partnership for local, state and international communities and governments. With each observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction is an announcement of the year's focus. 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction's campaign will be called "Hospitals Safe from Disasters", a partnership-based, international effort "to raise awareness about why and how to redouble efforts to protect health facilities and ensure they can function during and in the aftermath of disasters." Underpinning the program is the Hyogo Framework for Action, (download report here.) Developed in 2005 for use until 2015, the Framework is a "strategic and systematic approach to reducing vulnerabilities and risks to hazards," and works to join international aid and disaster response efforts into a coherent and efficient communication and action network. Officials said their three main objectives for the Safe Hospital program will include: "Protecting the lives of patients and health workers by ensuring the structural integrity of health facilities; [To] Make sure health facilities and health services are able to function in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters - when they are needed most; and Improve the risk reduction capacity of health workers and institutions, including emergency management." Thanks to the Cross Blog for the lead story.
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