RADM William Craig Vanderwagen, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), delivers remarks at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to commemorate World Health Day, 2009

April 7, 2009 - World Health Day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 7, 1948, and it is an occasion to raise awareness of key issues in global health.  This year’s theme is Health Facilities in Emergencies under the slogan “When Disaster Strikes, Safe Hospitals Save Lives.”  2009 World Health Day highlights the fact that when health facilities, hospitals, or health services withstand the impact of disasters and continue to function at maximum capacity, disaster victims will receive prompt and adequate health care, saving lives and recovering pre-disaster levels of health.  To the contrary, when these facilities fail during disasters—whether for physical or functional reasons—they cannot provide health services at a time when they are most needed.

RADM Vanderwagen, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS delivered opening remarks at the PAHO commemoration of World Health Day, and shared with the international audience information on programs at HHS for strengthening emergency response and preparedness for all disasters.  RADM Vanderwagen stressed the importance of increased collaboration among developed and developing countries so the international community is better prepared in the event of a disaster.

Last revised: April 08, 2009