Suggestions for Improving the Protection of the Health of Disaster-Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

Our scoping review suggests that the disaster-related damages that the victims come to suffer are due to their physical, psychological, social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. The health issues the victims have from disasters are mostly physical and mental damages sustained in a disaster situation or in the process of escaping it. Furthermore, some victims are found to experience changes in health behavior as a result of protracted disaster situations. In order to better protect people’s health from disasters, it is essential to start from identifying in a precise way whom to protect. In the current legal framework, children, people with disabilities, and low-income groups are defined as vulnerable to safety risks. However, in order to prevent disaster-vulnerable groups from disaster-related damages and adequately support them in post-disaster recovery, the definition of ‘the disaster-vulnerable’ must be expanded beyond its current scope. Subsequently, systematic ways must be developed to protect people from disaster-induced health hazards. Of particular importance is enhancing accessibility to post-disaster medical and psychological recovery support.