Disaster Risk Reduction

Building the resilience and preparedness of health systems around the globe to ensure that communities are prepared before disaster strikes

Our Approach

It’s not enough to wait to act when a disaster occurs.

That’s why we partner with local organizations and ministries of health to equip health systems around the globe with the tools, skills, and capacity they need to prepare for future disasters and proactively safeguard communities.

When adequately supported, we can mitigate the damage and destruction caused by sudden disaster.

To do this, Project HOPE:

Establishes regional emergency response hubs comprised of core networks of vetted local and national NGOs and technical partners across the globe
Fortifies health system infrastructure by supporting clinics; establishing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems; and improving medical supply chains
Trains local health workers on emergency response, emergency obstetric care, and psychological first aid
Strengthens the capacity of communities to respond to disasters
Identifies and maps out emergency response resources in the event of a disaster
Launches communities of practice in technical and operational core competencies for emergency response

82%

of all deaths from extreme weather and climate occur in low and lower-middle income countries

Humanitarian emergencies and the climate crisis disproportionately impact the communities with the least resources to respond.

62 million

people affected by disasters since 2003 lived in countries without early warning systems

Right now, 48% of countries do not have multi-hazard early warning systems, leaving communities unprepared and billions at risk of future harm.

10x

as damaging to the economies of low-income, under-resourced countries

Disasters, from health crises to extreme weather and climate emergencies, cause ten times the damage to the economies and communities of low-income and/or under-resourced countries.

The Context

As the world’s crises compound, those with the least often bear the brunt of the cost.

Hospitals and clinics are underequipped, communities are unprotected from conflict, and families face a severe lack of food, clean water, and medicine. Additionally, the climate crisis is causing more frequent and severe weather disasters and health crises.

These events not only cause immediate destruction, but they also disrupt health services, cause famine, trigger economic hardships, spread disease, and cause mass displacement and migration.

In response, Project HOPE is embedding disaster risk reduction practices throughout our portfolio, creating resilient health systems and safeguarding communities by implementing proactive measures — like community training, regional response hubs, capacity strengthening, and the development of disaster-resilient infrastructures — to lessen the impact of future disasters.

However, investing in this work is not just about preventing loss and damage. It’s about building a safer, more resilient world that empowers local health care workers and communities.

We know that emergency response and risk reduction is only sustainable with the earned support of local governments. Our longstanding partnerships with local organizations and ministries of health are essential to our ability to respond effectively, protect communities, and help health systems build back stronger.