Humanitarian approaches
Public health in crisis-affected populations: a practical guide for decision-makers
Adverse health consequences of wars and natural disasters
Authors:
F. Checchi; M. Gayer; R.F. Grais; E.J. Mills
Publisher:
Humanitarian Practice Network, ODI, 2007
A considerable proportion of humanity is currently living in crisis conditions. This paper by the Humnitarian Practice Network argues that never before has it been clearer what interventions must be implemented to mitigate the adverse health consequences of wars and natural disasters, and what standards those interventions must strive to achieve. Political considerations often obstruct the delivery of appropriate relief. The paper is based on the principle that lack of knowledge is also an important limiting factor. Authors of the paper argue the need to advocate for timely and appropriate relief, grounded in clearly outlined, scientifically sound reasoning. This should focus discussions on substantive matters and reducing the scope for political manipulation.
The paper provides a crash course in epidemiology and considers the effects of crises on health including specific risk factors, mortality and endemic diseases. The authors then determine various health problems and interventions and address how to maximise impact through a framework for interventions, and monitoring and evaluation. A list of ten common epidemiological fallacies in public health responses to crises is provided. The paper provides a number of conclusions including a warning that failing to consider the specific risk factors present in a given crisis context, as well as the underlying epidemiological and demographic profile of the crisis affected population, will tend to result in the implementation of inappropriate interventions.
