World Health Day 2009

Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies

World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies. Health centres and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters - treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs. Often, already fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences.

This year, WHO and international partners are underscoring the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need. They are also urging health facilities to implement systems to respond to internal emergencies, such as fires, and ensure the continuity of care.

News

- Event in Beijing: remarks by Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General
- News release: focus on making hospitals safe in emergencies
- Statement by Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General
- News release: Jet Li appointed Goodwill Ambassador

Background

- Emergencies: global and local impact
- How emergencies threaten health facilities and delivery of care
- Why keep health facilities safe?
- How to safeguard health facilities
- What can you do?
- Global efforts to make hospitals safe from disasters
- Making hospitals safe in emergencies: country examples
- More information resources