Health-EDRM in International Policy Agenda I: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030

Abstract

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 has been directing global efforts in disaster risk reduction since its adoption in 2015, and its unprecedented emphasis on health has affirmed unequivocally the critical role of health throughout the disaster cycle. The Sendai Framework calls for the strengthening of resilience through the prevention and reduction of hazard exposure and vulnerability, and increased preparedness for response and recovery. While health resilience is one of the core themes in the Sendai Framework, with it being recognized as both a determinant and outcome of disaster risk reduction at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Cancun, Mexico in 2017, its impact at implementation level requires sustained efforts on all fronts. The aspirations and recommendations set out in the Bangkok Principles on the implementation of health aspects of the Sendai Framework have not yet been fully addressed. To synergize the concerted efforts all relevant practitioners, Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) has emerged as a discipline that cuts across emergency and disaster medicine, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, community health resilience, and health systems resilience. Health-EDRM highlights the intersection of health and disaster risk reduction and has been playing a key role in supporting the implementation of the health aspects of the Sendai Framework. Major challenges however remain for Health-EDRM to develop into a well-established field of inquiry, with the quality of data and research methodology requiring urgent attention.