Growing challenge of chronic diseases in disasters

In 2005, chronic diseases were the leading cause of mortality in six out of seven WHO regions, but to date disaster and humanitarian response has not fully addressed chronic diseases. Several factors are contributing to changing needs in humanitarian relief efforts worldwide, among them the aging population and an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. Further, seemingly unrelated topics such as the HIV epidemic and child feeding programs, are contributing to the growing numbers of chronic diseases worldwide, compounding the importance of this initiative. Yet, in our current model of humanitarian relief, targeted response has not included those with chronic disease.

In an effort to address this need, an emerging NGO, ChronAid, is dedicated to advocating for the inclusion of chronic diseases and related disabilities and dependence in disaster and emergency preparedness and response. An example of ChronAid's initiatives is a novel proposal of a Supplementary Unit for Chronic Disease (SUCD) to the existing WHO Interagency Emergency Health Kit. More specifically, the SUCD includes medications, durable medical equipment, and standard operating procedures for treatment of acute exacerbations of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. This effort helps bridge the gap in care and management between the pre-disaster and rebuilding phases.

The rising prevalence of chronic disease and increasing number of disasters worldwide have changed the global challenge of disaster and emergency response. By expanding humanitarian relief efforts to encompass addressing chronic diseases, this initiative will decrease the associated morbidity and mortality of this population.