Colombia Earthquake Response: Health Services Assessment and Needs Prioritization

Assessing damage, identifying priority needs, and maintaining essential health services continue to be the main focus in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Colombia.

Moving into the Next Phase: Evaluating Health Infrastructure

In the wake of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Colombia on August 10, efforts are now shifting towards assessing the damage to health infrastructure, determining priority needs, and ensuring that critical health services remain operational in affected areas.

According to the latest health situation report, PAHO/WHO is actively supporting Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Institute of Health, and local health authorities in various impacted departments across the country.

Assessing Damaged Facilities for Health Service Continuity

PAHO/WHO is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to inspect the condition of health facilities that were impacted by the earthquake. Trained personnel are conducting rapid assessments, and additional evaluations by engineers and architects are being carried out to assess the scope of damage and determine necessary measures to maintain services.

Monitoring Health Risks in Emergency Shelters

Temporary emergency shelters are being closely monitored by PAHO/WHO in collaboration with health authorities. Efforts are being made to track the health status of individuals residing in these shelters, identify any unusual illness patterns, and respond promptly to potential health risks.

Emergency Medical Team Coordination and Deployment

In response to a request from the Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO has initiated the activation of a virtual Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell to coordinate offers of emergency medical assistance. National Emergency Medical Teams are currently operating in various locations, with additional specialized teams on standby for deployment if required.

Enhancing Mental Health Support and Restoring Laboratory Services

PAHO/WHO is providing support for mental health and psychosocial response efforts, as well as assisting in restoring laboratory services that were affected by the earthquake. Alternative measures are being implemented to ensure continuity in receiving and processing priority samples.

Addressing Ongoing Health Needs and Vulnerabilities

As Colombia transitions into the next phase of response, significant health needs persist, including the establishment of temporary health facilities, procurement of essential medical supplies, and fortification of capacity to handle potential disease outbreaks. PAHO/WHO continues to collaborate with national and local health authorities to address critical gaps and provide the necessary support to safeguard the health of affected communities.