Disaster management challenges from non-communicable diseases: Lessons learned, questions going forward (50m Lecture)

http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/

The purpose of the session is to explore the role environmental health professionals may have in responding to the impact of disasters on non-communicable diseases (NCD). Traditionally in the disaster setting public health activities have focused on communicable diseases, however, the actual risk is low, particularly in developed countries (Watson, Gayer et al. 2007). Population aging and an increase in life expectancy have contributed to a ‘disease transition’ at the population level to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (The Sphere Project 2011). Prominent among these are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, mental health conditions, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, nervous system disorders and kidney diseases (AIHW 2004). This ‘disease transition’ has imposed major burdens on health care resources since they are time intensive and costly to treat, which has implications for health and disaster systems (Connell and Lea 2002; AIHW 2013; Murray, Vos et al. 2013).

When components of public health infrastructure (PHI) are damaged or weakened, those most vulnerable, such as people with NCDs are at the greatest risk (Jacob, Mawson et al. 2008). PHI includes staff, medications, equipment, services, housing, water, food, waste and sanitation (Boufford, Lee et al. 2001; Baker, Potter et al. 2005; Commonwealth of Australia 2008; Creswell 2013). People with NCDs are vulnerable and need PHI to be maintained to prevent excess illness (The Sphere Project, 2011).

The vital role of PHI in mitigating the risk of disasters on NCDs, and the broader public, highlights the need to consider refocusing disaster management for the 21st Century. Environmental health professionals should have an integral role in achieving this by mitigating and addressing the key risks within the existing capacities. This would be achieved by categorizing PHI as primary, secondary or tertiary based on modern disease priorities and using this information to inform disaster management systems and/or reform business models.

This session will explore this new idea, the challenges going forward and discover how these can be addressed. Ultimately, providing a unique opportunity for delegates to discuss and debate how the environmental health profession can address the challenges of NCDs and PHI in the disaster setting.