IASC Weekly (NY): Health Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters in the Philippines
NY
Message from the IASC Secretariat:
I would like to invite you to an IASC Weekly Meeting in New York to discuss Health Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters. The meeting will take place Friday, 14 September 2012, from 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. in OCHA's Conference Room 1, 6th floor, 380 Madison Avenue.
Background:
SPEED is recognized for its significant contribution to health in times of catastrophe, specifically for its timely and relevant reporting of health conditions in the evacuation centers and hospitals to prevent secondary disaster like disease outbreaks. It embodies the Filipino’s creative and inventive approach to mitigate impact of calamities to health through the use of short messaging system (SMS) and tight coordination between central, regional and local offices. SPEED was conceptualized after three major disasters – Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi- flooded the country in 2009. The floodings also caused the biggest Leptospirosis outbreak in the country. This prompted an investigation by the Global Outbreak Alert Response Network (GOARN), which later reiterated the need for an information system after a disaster to report on health conditions.
Dr Soe Nyunt-U was appointed as WHO Representative to the Philippines in August 2007. Starting as a short-term professional and later on as a scientist for situational policy and analysis at WHO Western Pacific Regional office in the year 2000, he has built a noted career in the health systems area. He was appointed as an Acting Director (2002) and eventually as Director for Health Sector Development Division, a position he held from August 2003-2007. Dr. Soe was also the acting RC/HC during the critical first two weeks of the Tropical Storm Washi response.
Useful Links:
Speed Project: http://www2.wpro.who.int/philippines/media_centre/press_releases/pr_201…
OCHA Philippines: http://www.unocha.org/ocha2012-13/philippines
Meeting Documents
11.30 - 12.00 Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED)
Dr Soe Nyunt-U, WHO Representative in the Philippines, will give an overview of the Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED) Project, which won the Galing Likha Kalusugan award for innovation in health in the Phillipines.
12.00 - 12.30 Discussion and Q & A
Ms. Christelle Loupforest, Head of the IASC/ECHA Secretariat, will facilitate a discussion and Q&A session.