The range of threats to public health faced by countries worldwide is broad and highly diverse and includes infectious disease outbreaks, unsafe food and water, chemical and radiation contamination, natural and technological hazards, wars and other societal conflicts, and the health consequences of climate change. To help meet these and other challenges, countries are encouraged to strengthen their capacities for health emergency and disaster risk management incorporating measures for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Arogya Sena provides support for the community in health and other sectors to manage the health risks associated with emergencies and disasters. Arogya Sena convenes and participates in a number of forums which influence the policy and practice of emergency risk management for health. Arogya Sena’s work is also aligned with and informed by international frameworks.

Disaster preparedness and response are our core focus areas.

The aim of disaster management training is to build the capacity of National Societies’ staff and volunteers, and that of International Federation delegates, to improve preparedness and response at all levels before during, and after disasters and to give all components of the Movement the means to work together in a coordinated manner. The focus of disaster management training is generally on improving the technical skills of the participants, but also on personnel and team management. It aims to encourage an exchange of experience and knowledge and the creation of networks amongst disaster managers. It also aims to improve the coordination of disaster response and the quality and availability of disaster management tools.

Arogya Sena has conducted emergency missions in (name ) in the event of a natural disaster, when a disaster-affected country requests international assistance and requires additional international coordination resources.

The deployment and detailed tasks of Arogya Sena team are decided in consultation with the national Government and/or the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator. The team normally stays in the affected area for the initial response phase, which can be up to three or four weeks in a natural disaster.

The Arogya Sena team can also undertake disaster response preparedness missions. Such missions evaluate the national disaster preparedness and response capacity and plan upon specific request from a Government.