The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Its Indicators——Where Does Health Fit in?

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 recognizes the strong connection between health and disasters and promotes the concept of health resilience throughout.Several of the seven global targets stated in the Sendai Framework are directly related to health in terms of reducing disaster mortality,the number of affected people,disaster damage to critical infrastructure,and disruption of basic services such as health facilities.The Sendai Framework also maintains close coordination with other United Nations landmark agreements relevant to health such as the Sustainable Development Goals.However,the measurement of healthrelated indicators is challenging.Issues arise,for example,in linking deaths to disasters because of the complex interplay between exposure,risk,vulnerability,and hazards.The lack of a universal classification of disasters also means that recording of health data in disasters is not standardized.Developing the guidelines to enable data onthe indicators to be collected and reported to support the Sendai targets requires detailed thinking,time,and consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders.Strong collaboration and partnership will be vital to achieving success.

Challenges with Disaster Mortality Data and Measuring Progress Towards the Implementation of the Sendai Framework

Disasters exact a heavy toll globally.However,the degree to which we can accurately quantify their impact,in particular mortality,remains challenging.It is critical to ensure that disaster data reliably reflects the scale,type,and distribution of disaster impacts given the role of data in:(1)risk assessments;(2)developing disaster risk management programs;(3)determining the resources for response to emergencies;(4)the types of action undertaken in planning for prevention and preparedness;and(5)identifying research gaps.The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 s seven global disaster-impact reduction targets represent the first international attempt to systematically measure the effectiveness of disaster-impact reduction as a means of better informing policy with evidence.Target A of the Sendai Framework aims to‘‘substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030,aiming to lower the average per 100,000 global mortality rate in the decade 2020–2030 compared to the period 2005–2015.’’This article provides an overview of the complexities associated with defining,reporting,and interpreting disaster mortality data used for gauging success in meeting Target A,acknowledging different challenges for different types of hazard events and subsequent disasters.It concludes with suggestions of how to address these challenges to inform the public health utility of monitoring through the Sendai Framework.

The Role of Public Health Within the United Nations Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

This article explores the role of public health systems before, during, and after disasters, particularly within the scope of the United Nations Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It also examines the role of scientific and technological developments in assisting with improving the resilience of public health professionals and the communities they work in. In addition, it explores how the wide-ranging activities in public health have already contributed to the improved management of disasters and a decrease in associated risks. The article identifies areas of synergy in five key areas of recent policy and practice in public health(the health systems approach, risk assessments, the WHO/UNISDR/HPA Disaster Risk Management fact sheets, chronic disease and disasters, and mental health impacts following disasters) and makes suggestions based on lessons identified from the previous(2005) global disaster risk reduction framework. In particular, we advocate the use of scientific evidence that addresses health and disaster risk simultaneously to increase the effectiveness of policy and practice in disaster risk reduction, health, and public health.

Innovation and strategy: Does it make a difference! A linear study of micro & SMEs

Innovation is known to be used by some businesses to help them differentiate their trading position within a specific locale.Research has also proven that by adopting a strategy,aims can be achieved and turnover increased.This study will endeavour to use these two key areas to evaluate how,they are used and to what extent they can improve business performance.The study was carried using 145 Micro and SME business,located within the rural county of Lincolnshire.The businesses were taken from specific locations on a random basis which included rural,remote rural and urban settings.Initial findings found that businesses situated within remote areas performed better than those within the other test areas,leading to the conclusion that they use innovation as a strategy to outperform their business rivals.