Disease Control in Humanitarian Emergencies (DCE)

Rationale

DCE focuses on humanitarian emergencies caused by conflict or natural disasters that are frequently characterized by the displacement of large numbers of people. Those affected are often resettled in temporary locations with high population densities, inadequate food and shelter, unsafe water and poor sanitation. These conditions have enabled communicable diseases, either alone or in combination with malnutrition, to emerge as major killers.

Goal

To reduce the excess morbidity and mortality caused by communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies through the provision of technical and operational support to the WHO Department of Health Action in Crises (HAC), WHO country and regional offices, national authorities, other United Nations agencies, nongovernmental and international organizations, and donor agencies.

Objectives

Strategy

DCE achieves its objectives through coordination with the Communicable Diseases Working Group on Emergencies (CD-WGE), which includes leading experts on diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, immunization, water and sanitation, child health, and surveillance/early warning and outbreak response. The CD-WGE sets technical standards for communicable disease control and provides rapid technical and operational support in acute emergencies, with ongoing assistance as the situation evolves.

Contact

cdemergencies@who.int