Assessing and analysing health risks for emergency preparedness and response
The Programme on Vulnerability and Risk Analysis & Mapping (VRAM), located in the WHO Mediterranean Centre for Health Risk Reduction in Tunis, helps Member States and partners strengthen their capacity for assessing and analysing health risks and integrate the results in emergency preparedness and response programmes.
In 2010, the VRAM provided technical support to Kazakhstan, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan and Tunisia to map risks by matching hazards to capacities and public health indicators.
The VRAM started a pilot project with the Government of Oman in October 2010. This project, financed by the European Union, is establishing the information management platform necessary to manage risks from a multisectoral perspective. The platform will begin mapping risks linked to cyclones and then expand to include other threats.
In Kazakhstan, the VRAM is supporting flood risk assessment throughout the East Kazakhstan Oblast. This project will show which population settlements and health infrastructures are at risk and provide evidence-based information for planning and decision-making.
In addition, the VRAM is developing a protocol to illustrate the assessment process and to assist its implementation in countries.
A second version of the WHO e-atlas of disaster risks is being finalized. It covers the WHO Regions for Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe. This version, to be released by June 2011, will provide natural hazard maps which will help advocate for resources to improve emergency preparedness, reduce health risks for vulnerable populations and aid emergency response.