Pediatric Considerations in Disaster Settings. A Concise Guide to Advocating for Children’s Needs

Man-made and natural disasters—including armed conflict, environmental catastrophes, forced displacements, and epidemics—affect thousands worldwide each year, causing loss of homes, livelihoods, and possessions. Complex humanitarian emergencies are increasing due to international conflict and civil war. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the need for efficient and equitable disaster responses, particularly for those in low- and middle-income countries.

Pediatric-specific considerations in disaster response, especially in humanitarian emergencies and resource-constrained settings already burdened by preventable illness and limited healthcare access, remain an often overlooked yet critical component. Children make up a disproportionately large percentage of disaster victims due to their developmental and physical vulnerabilities. Those with complex healthcare needs or disabilities are at even greater risk. The devastating consequences of gaps in preparedness and response have also been demonstrated in well-resourced settings, as seen with Hurricane Katrina.

Previous research has called for better training for medical trainees and disaster relief workers to improve pediatric disaster preparedness. Yet, programs specifically addressing children’s needs are in short supply, and relief workers often lack the expertise to provide appropriate care. There is also a persistent gap in guidelines advocating for children’s unique needs in disaster settings. This book seeks to address these gaps.

Written by experts in the field, Pediatric Considerations in Disaster Settings is a multi-institutional, multi-author collaboration representing perspectives from around the globe. This book summarizes evidence-based guidelines and real-world experiences from professionals who have cared for children in disaster settings across various resource contexts. It addresses an urgent need for guidance in recent and ongoing conflicts and disasters, equips healthcare professionals and public health workers with the skills to collaborate effectively in disaster response, and educates readers on adapting interventions and advocacy strategies to meet children’s unique needs in any resource setting.