In 2005, in response to the vulnerability of the developing world to natural catastrophes, the United Nations-endorsed the Hyogo Framework for Action, whose expected outcome is "the substantial reduction of disaster losses, in lives and the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries."

Following this lead and the UN Millennium Development Goals, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives were set in motion aimed at tackling the fundamental elements of disaster risk: vulnerability, hazards and exposure.

DRR aims at working with local communities to repair the damage and prepare for future disasters by developing sustainable and local means of protection by building on local traditions, customs and resources.

This means empowering local communities to save lives, helping them take ownership of their own safety towards a sustainable future.

Read more about the International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction

A vulnerable healthcare system – a population at risk

Health infrastructures in developing countries are often very weak and under-developed, many governments preferring to invest in other sectors over health. This means that they are not only unable to respond to disasters but also to repair the damage incurred.

In times of crisis, when shanty infrastructures and under qualified medical staff are quickly overwhelmed, this neglect is sorely felt by the population as a whole.

The destruction of hospitals, the loss of medical equipment and the trauma caused by catastrophes render the staff powerless, faced with the inability to provide crucial healthcare for the population, leaving thousands at the mercy of epidemics and other contagious diseases.

The role of disaster risk reduction

Access to healthcare is a cornerstone for effective DRR. This year's World Disaster Reduction Campaign's theme is "Hospitals Safe from Disasters: Reduce Risk, Protect Health Facilities, Save Lives”

Reducing disaster risk is not just about additional investments; it is about ensuring that development interventions are sound. This can mean building up health infrastructure, training on disease surveillance, pre-positioning outbreak kits for cholera, etc. 

Good disaster risk reduction comes before and continues after a disaster, building resilience to future hazards. Short time-scale interventions, low-level technology and a strong participatory approach have proved to be successful in reducing the loss of lives.

Read more about Doctors of the World UK’s DRR project in Haiti.