Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Framework

This Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Manage­ment (EDRM) Framework is a substantial response to this challenge. It emphasizes the critical impor­tance of prevention, preparedness and readiness, to­gether with response and recovery, to save lives and protect health. It outlines the need to work together – because EDRM is never the work of one sector or agency alone. It shows how the whole health system can and must be fundamental in all of these efforts.

The Framework also details the clear need for com­munities to be in the driving seat. While emergencies affect everyone, they disproportionately affect those who are the most vulnerable. The needs and rights of the poorest, as well as women, children, people with disabilities, older persons, migrants, refugees and displaced persons, and people with chronic diseases must be at the centre of our work.

WHO is fully committed to working with Member States and partners to ensure that the Framework is implemented effectively.

This document is the result of extensive consultations and inputs from Member States and partners, as well as WHO colleagues across offices and programmes around the world. I would like to thank each and every one of those who have contributed to its development.