Global disasters and risk reduction strategies

As the global population increase, the effects of disasters also increase. However, through improved building codes and other disaster risk reduction interventions, the number of deaths appears to be reducing. International frameworks for reduction and response are being built and an audit of the NHS demonstrated the advantages of an integrated health service. Fact sheets, produced internationally with UK involvement, on several aspects of disaster risk reduction have started to increase awareness of the wide variety of needs, although mental health issues need further research. Not all global disasters with far-reaching consequences are catastrophic in nature. The circumstances of congenital rubella and iodine deficiency show the strengths of international collaboration and the need for high-quality science. This chapter explains disaster risk reduction and sets it in its international perspective, with examples of wide-ranging agreements and frameworks, and their application to the wider UK health service.