New Field Manual on Communicable Disease Control in Emergencies

Published Date
Communicable diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in emergencies. Populations affected by conflict or natural disasters are at higher risk of these diseases due to a number of factors including displacement, relocation in temporary settlements, collapsed health services, and water and food shortages. The Communicable Diseases in Emergencies field manual provides practical guidance to public health professionals working in emergencies on the prevention and control of communicable diseases in these settings. It provides a systematic approach to the planning, implementation and monitoring of disease control activities which are key components of effective humanitarian response. This field manual is the result of collaboration among a number of WHO departments and several external partner agencies in reviewing existing guidelines on communicable disease control and adapting them to emergency situations. It is hoped that the manual will provide a useful tool to ensure evidence-based interventions are implemented to control disease and protect the health of emergency-affected populations.