MEVE 015: Unit 11 - International Cooperation for Disaster Medical Management

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 UNIT 11: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR DISASTER MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

11.0 Introduction

In the face of increasing global disasters—both natural and human-induced—international cooperation is essential for effective disaster medical response. Disasters often transcend borders, and coordinated international assistance ensures timely medical support, resource mobilization, and knowledge sharing. Various international bodies and frameworks have been developed to manage disaster risks and respond efficiently through medical preparedness, capacity building, and humanitarian relief.

11.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the role of international cooperation in disaster medical management.
  • Learn about major international frameworks and organizations engaged in disaster response.
  • Explore regional and global strategies for effective disaster risk reduction.
  • Identify collaborative mechanisms that enhance disaster medical preparedness and response.

11.2 International Health Regulation (IHR)

The International Health Regulations (2005), coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), are legally binding instruments for 196 countries. They aim to:

  • Prevent and control the international spread of diseases.
  • Strengthen national public health systems.
  • Require countries to report public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC), such as pandemics.
  • Facilitate global coordination during health crises through core capacity building (surveillance, laboratory, emergency response).

IHRs are crucial during outbreaks like SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19 to ensure coordinated global responses and avoid unnecessary interference with travel and trade.

11.3 United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)

Established by the UN in 1999, UNISDR (now UNDRR – United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) leads global efforts in:

  • Reducing disaster risks through policy, knowledge sharing, and strategic frameworks.
  • Supporting implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).
  • Promoting disaster risk reduction (DRR) as an integral part of sustainable development and climate adaptation.

UNDRR works with governments, NGOs, and scientific communities to build resilient health and disaster systems.

11.4 United Nations Disaster Management Team (UN-DMT)

The UN-DMT is a country-level coordination mechanism of various UN agencies (e.g., WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP). Key functions include:

  • Coordinating UN response to disasters in collaboration with national authorities.
  • Providing medical and humanitarian aid.
  • Ensuring integrated disaster preparedness and relief planning.
  • Facilitating donor mobilization and technical assistance.

It is guided by the Resident Coordinator of the UN in the affected country.

11.5 International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)

INSARAG, established by UNOCHA in 1991, is a global network for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams.

Key roles:

  • Developing internationally accepted standards for search and rescue operations.
  • Enhancing coordination among countries during major disasters.
  • Organizing International USAR Classification to evaluate team capacities.
  • Facilitating training, joint exercises, and technical guidance for disaster response.

INSARAG is instrumental in large-scale events like earthquakes and building collapses.

11.6 Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR)

GFDRR, managed by the World Bank, is a partnership that supports developing countries in:

  • Improving disaster resilience.
  • Investing in early warning systems and climate risk assessments.
  • Strengthening health infrastructure against disaster risks.
  • Financing medical preparedness plans and capacity building in vulnerable regions.

GFDRR promotes risk-informed development with health as a core focus.

11.7 Asian Region Forum (ARF)

The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) engages 27 Asia-Pacific countries in dialogue and cooperation on security and disaster-related issues.

Roles in disaster management:

  • Promoting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
  • Conducting regional disaster response exercises.
  • Supporting civil-military coordination in medical emergencies.
  • Enhancing capacity-building through shared protocols and training.

11.8 Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC)

Established in 1998, the ADRC, based in Japan, works with member countries to promote:

  • Multilateral cooperation for disaster risk reduction.
  • Capacity building and technical assistance in medical response.
  • Sharing disaster-related information and best practices.
  • Enhancing regional collaboration for medical emergency preparedness.

It also conducts training programs and publishes disaster data for policymakers.

11.9 SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC)

The SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC), located in Gandhinagar, India, is a regional hub under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

11.9.1 SDMC Functions:

  • Coordinate disaster risk reduction efforts in South Asia.
  • Provide regional policy support and knowledge sharing.
  • Organize joint training on medical and emergency response.
  • Promote integration of health concerns in DRR strategies.

11.9.2 USAID (United States Agency for International Development)

USAID, through its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), contributes significantly to:

  • International medical relief missions.
  • Providing emergency medical supplies, mobile hospitals, and teams.
  • Supporting health system recovery and disease control post-disasters.
  • Partnering with local governments and NGOs for disaster preparedness.

11.9.3 UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination)

UNDAC is a rapid-response mechanism under UNOCHA that deploys international experts for:

  • On-site assessment and coordination during major disasters.
  • Evaluating health needs and gaps in the affected area.
  • Supporting governments and UN agencies with real-time medical response planning.

UNDAC teams are equipped for 24–48 hour deployment worldwide.

11.9.4 UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

UNOCHA coordinates global humanitarian responses, especially in large-scale disasters. Its roles include:

  • Mobilizing medical and non-medical relief.
  • Coordinating international aid agencies and national authorities.
  • Developing the Cluster Approach, where Health Cluster ensures delivery of emergency health services.
  • Ensuring equity, transparency, and efficiency in aid distribution.

11.9.5 USAR (Urban Search and Rescue)

USAR refers to specialized teams trained for:

  • Rescuing trapped victims in collapsed buildings and confined spaces.
  • Providing immediate medical aid on-site.
  • Using advanced equipment for search and rescue.
  • Participating in cross-border missions as part of international response (INSARAG-certified).

These teams are crucial in earthquakes, landslides, and explosions.

11.10 Let Us Sum Up

  • International cooperation enhances medical preparedness and disaster response.
  • Agencies like WHO, UNISDR, UNOCHA, and GFDRR provide frameworks, funds, and expertise.
  • Regional organizations such as SAARC SDMC, ADRC, and ARF build local capacities.
  • Mechanisms like IHR, UNDAC, INSARAG, and USAID ensure rapid deployment of medical aid and rescue.
  • Strong global partnerships are essential for effective disaster medical management and resilience-building.

11.11 Key Words

  • IHR (2005): Legal framework for global health security.
  • UNISDR/UNDRR: UN’s disaster risk reduction office.
  • INSARAG: International coordination of search and rescue teams.
  • GFDRR: World Bank initiative supporting resilience.
  • SDMC: SAARC’s regional disaster management centre.
  • UNOCHA: UN agency coordinating humanitarian aid.
  • USAID: U.S. agency providing international disaster aid.
  • UNDAC: Rapid assessment and coordination mechanism.

 

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