Surveillance of Risk Factors in Shelters during Emergencies

In emergency situations or disasters caused by meteorological events, such as the floods currently affecting several countries in the region, changes in environmental conditions are usual and they increase the risks to public health, particularly in those places where it is necessary to shelter the affected population.

It is important to take action for the timely identification of risk factors and take immediate decisions to ensure the population with protection measures and health promotion in these situations. 


The guide Surveillance of Risk Factors in Shelters (produced by PAHO/WHO) becomes an useful tool for the health sector staff, giving general guidance on issues such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health, water, sanitation and hygiene, vector control and nutrition among others, assessing the public health conditions in the shelters and allowing to follow up on the necessary actions and decision-making to ensure appropriate conditions for the population.


You can download the guide at the following link (in Spanish): 

Vigilancia de factores de riesgo en albergues: tarjetas para los encargados de albergues (OPS/OMS, 2007)