Salud Pública y desastres naturales

Abstract

Important aspects of Public Health related to natural disasters are presented, including definitions and classifications. The impact of disasters in the health status of affected population is discussed, considering infectious diseases, epidemiological surveillance, mental health and sanitation. A brief presentation of de Chilean experience in disasters, considering earthquakes is included. Finally, the importance of prevention, the need for a general development of the society, and the multidisciplinary approach with an important role of public health is printed out.