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United Nations Development Programme / Armenia
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Contact: Mr. Hovhannes Sarajyan, Communications Associate
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International Day for Disaster Reduction Dedicated to "Safe Hospitals"
was marked in Yerevan
Yerevan, 14 October 2009 – "Beyond their practical importance,
hospitals and health facilities have a unique value as symbols of
public well-being. Making them safe from disasters is essential,"
states the UN Secretary-General’s message on the occasion of the
International Day for Disaster Reduction marked the second Wednesday
of October since 1989.
This year the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, along
with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, marks the
International Day for Disaster Reduction by highlighting the 2008-09
World Disaster Reduction Campaign dedicated to Hospitals Safe from
Disasters.
In Armenia, the International Day for Disaster Reduction was marked at
the Crisis Management State Academy with participation of Ms. Bushra
Halepota, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., Mher Shahgeldyan, Minister of
Emergency Situations, and Ms. Irina Papieva, WHO Representative
a.i. in Armenia. Representatives of international community and
relevant national institutions were also present at the event.
"It is well-known that we cannot stop natural events of happening. But
we can prevent natural events from becoming natural disasters. With
better planning, better building and construction norms, better
communication, preparedness and response capacities, natural events
will take place but people could be safe from harm, houses, hospitals
and other emergency facilities will stand, livelihoods will be
protected. If there are no losses – there is no disaster, and it is
only a natural event," said Ms. Bushra Halepota, UN Resident
Coordinator a.i. Acknowledging that disaster damage results in human
and economic losses, she urged to include "safe hospitals" programmes
in country’s development agenda, endorse relevant legislation and
carry out safety assessments of health facilities.
Within the framework of the International Day for Disaster Reduction,
UNDP in Armenia presented findings of the impact survey and lessons
learned study of the Local Level Risk Management pilot module
implemented in Ararat region of Armenia. The study was implemented by
the Republican Association of Communities of Armenia from August till
September 2009. The main objective of the survey was to assess the
effectiveness of the complex approach to manage disaster risks at
community level, identify lessons learned and advice on options for
similar projects in the future.
The pilot module included elaboration of disaster risk profile for
Ararat region, assessment of communities’ vulnerabilities and
capacities to disasters, training of local communities and authorities
on disaster risk reduction, public awareness activities and
small-scale disaster mitigation projects, such as clean-up of water
drainage systems and strengthening of embankments.
UNDP in Armenia, together with the Rescue Service under the Ministry
of Emergency Situations, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of
Territorial Administration, is carrying out activities to support
national efforts for the establishment of the disaster preparedness
and risk reduction systems.
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UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and
connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help
people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries,
working with them on their own solutions to global and national
development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on
the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP in Armenia was
established in 1993 and supports the Government of Armenia to reach
its own development priorities and the Millennium Development Goals by
2015.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
