Education successes applied to disaster preparedness, meeting infectious diseases and malnutrition challenges

Hurricanes, floods and earthquakes have devastated part of the Caribbean and Latin America Region: “Maria” hurricane in Puerto Rico, flooding disaster in Peru, the several serious earthquakes in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, occurred recently; it is required to ensure the effective functioning of the health systems at the potential situation of an emergency. Natural disasters and other emergencies around the world put the populations at risk; they may cause diseases and/or the disruption of health systems, facilities and services. The health risks of a disaster can be mitigated by building capacities of individuals, community and the country with developed or developing economies to protect health, Preparedness should address all the health disciplines. Responding to the effects of climate change on 2017 the National Institute of Health of Peru trained health workers from the 6 regions seriously affected by dengue disease, the result improved the effectiveness of the regional laboratories through the on time distribution and correct use of supplies to respond to the emergency. On 2014, the Philippines trained to prepare health professionals working in hospitals to detect and safely manage Ebola virus disease (EVD): public, private and local government hospitals were engaged. The confidence in managing EVD increased significantly (P = 0.018) with 96% of participants feeling more prepared to safely manage EVD cases. In other country like Ethiopia the adequate preparedness in emergencies and disaster response improved the capacities and better understanding of context specific causes of acute malnutrition and contributed to prevent the increase of severe acute malnutrition in the Horn of Africa in 2011 and other places in 2013 and 2014.