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Negev, M., Paz, S., Clermont, A., Pri-Or, N. G., Shalom, U., Yeger, T., & Green, M. S. (2015). Impacts of climate change on vector borne diseases in the Mediterranean Basin—implications for preparedness and adaptation policy. International journal of environmental research and public health, 12(6), 6745-6770.‏

Abstract:

The Mediterranean region is vulnerable to climatic changes. A warming trend exists in the basin with changes in rainfall patterns. It is expected that vector-borne diseases (VBD) in the region will be influenced by climate change since weather conditions influence their emergence. For some diseases (i.e., West Nile virus) the linkage between emergence and climate change was recently proved; for others (such as dengue) the risk for local transmission is real. Consequently, adaptation and preparation for changing patterns of VBD distribution is crucial in the Mediterranean basin. We analyzed six representative Mediterranean countries and found that they have started to prepare for this threat, but the preparation levels among them differ, and policy mechanisms are limited and basic. Furthermore, cross-border cooperation is not stable and depends on international frameworks. The Mediterranean countries should improve their adaptation plans, and develop more cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary and participatory approaches. In addition, based on experience from existing local networks in advancing national legislation and trans-border cooperation, we outline recommendations for a regional cooperation framework. We suggest that a stable and neutral framework is required, and that it should address the characteristics and needs of African, Asian and European countries around the Mediterranean in order to ensure participation. Such a regional framework is essential to reduce the risk of VBD transmission, since the vectors of infectious diseases know no political borders.

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Paz, S., Negev, M., Clermont, A., & Green, M. S. (2016). Health aspects of climate change in cities with Mediterranean climate, and local adaptation plans. International journal of environmental research and public health, 13(4), 438.‏

Abstract:

Cities with a Mediterranean-type climate (Med-cities) are particularly susceptible to health risks from climate change since they are located in biogeographical hot-spots that experience some of the strongest effects of the changing climate. The study aims to highlight health impacts of climate change in Med-cities, analyze local climate adaptation plans and make adaptation policy recommendations for the Med-city level. We identified five Med-cities with a climate change adaptation plan: Adelaide, Barcelona, Cape Town, Los Angeles and Santiago. Beyond their similar Med-climate features (although Santiago’s are slightly different), the cities have different socio-economic characteristics in various aspects. We analyzed each plan according to how it addresses climate change-related drivers of health impacts among city dwellers. For each driver, we identified the types of policy adaptation tools that address it in the urban climate adaptation plans. The surveyed cities address most of the fundamental climate change-related drivers of risks to human health, including rising temperatures, flooding and drought, but the policy measures to reduce negative impacts vary across cities. We suggest recommendations for Med-cities in various aspects, depending on their local needs and vulnerability challenges: assessment of health risks, extreme events management and long-term adaptation, among others.

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Savoia, E., Lin, L., Bernard, D., Klein, N., James, L. P., & Guicciardi, S. (2017). Public health system research in public health emergency preparedness in the United States (2009–2015): actionable knowledge base. American journal of public health, 107(S2), e1-e6.‏

Abstract:

In this systematic literature review, we analyzed knowledge production in public health emergency preparedness system research in the timeframe 2009–2015. We included 56 studies in the synthesis of evidence and assessed them for their quality and aggregated findings. Results show that this field can still be considered relatively new compared with other research areas in public health. However, this review demonstrates that, during the past 7 years, public health emergency preparedness system research has evolved from generic inquiry to the analysis of specific interventions, with more empirical studies. Research gaps remain, in particular in the area of information sharing, communication to the public, and the development of criteria and metrics.

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Takacs, J., Ramsbottom, A. C., O’brien, E., & Ciotti, L. (2017). Enablers and barriers to community engagement in public health emergency preparednessJudit Takacs. European Journal of Public Health, 27(suppl_3).‏

Abstract:

Background - Public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) all too often focuses on institutional capabilities alone, while overlooking community capabilities. However, success of institutional emergency preparedness plans depend upon communities and institutions working together to ensure successful anticipation, response and recovery. Broader community engagement is therefore recommended worldwide.

Methods – This literature review aimed to identify enablers and barriers to community and institutional synergies in emergency preparedness. Searches were undertaken across bibliographic databases and grey literature sources, published between 2000 and 2016. A ‘best fit’ framework approach using a pre-existing qualitative framework was used to analyze the literature, whereby themes were added and changed as analysis progressed.

Results - In total, 35 documents describing factors influencing community and institution synergies in PHEP were included. A working definition of community was identified, based on a ‘whole community’ approach, inclusive of the whole multitude of stakeholders including community residents and emergency management staff.

Conclusions - Given the diversity in community make-up, the types of emergencies that could be faced, the socio-economic, environmental and political range of communities, the most effective way of engaging communities in emergency preparedness is context-dependent. Engaging vulnerable groups within the community was a theme that repeatedly emerged in the literature. Finding appropriate ways to reach out and engage the range of community groups is an important consideration when developing preparedness initiatives..

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Toner, E. S., Ravi, S., Adalja, A., Waldhorn, R. E., McGinty, M., & Schoch-Spana, M. (2015). Doing good by playing well with others: exploring local collaboration for emergency preparedness and response. Health security, 13(4), 281-289.‏

Abstract:

Increasingly frequent and costly disasters in the US have prompted the need for greater collaboration at the local level among healthcare facilities, public health agencies, emergency medical services, and emergency management agencies. We conducted a multiphase, mixed-method, qualitative study to uncover the extent and quality of existing collaborations, identify what factors impede or facilitate the integration of the preparedness community, and propose measures to strengthen collaboration. Our study involved a comprehensive literature review, 55 semi structured key-informant interviews, and a working group meeting. Using thematic analysis, we identified 6 key findings that will inform the development of tools to help coalitions better assess and improve their own preparedness community integration.

Increasingly frequent and costly disasters in the US have prompted the need for greater collaboration at the local level among healthcare facilities, public health agencies, emergency medical services, and emergency management agencies. The authors conducted a multiphase, mixed-method, qualitative study to uncover the extent and quality of existing collaborations, identify what factors impede or facilitate the integration of the preparedness community, and propose measures to strengthen collaboration. The study involved a comprehensive literature review, 55 semi structured key-informant interviews, and a working group meeting.

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World Health Organization (2017). International Health Emergency Response plan on Marburg virus disease

Abstract:

On 17 October 2017, the Ugandan Ministry of Health notified WHO of a confirmed Marburg outbreak of Marburg Virus disease (MVD) in Kween district, Eastern Uganda. The outbreak was officially declared by the Ministry of health on 19 October 2017.

As of 7 November, four cases of MVD have been reported- two confirmed (dead), one probable (dead) and one suspected. Other patients, previously reported as suspected cases, have since tested negative for the virus.

WHO has been implementing the Emergency Response Plan since 20 October 2017 when the Ministry of Health officially declared the outbreak. The Emergency Response Plan was developed on several assumptions which may now need to be revised.

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Gal, R. (2014). Social resilience in times of protracted crises: An Israeli case study. Armed Forces & Society, 40(3), 452-475.‏

 Abstract:

This article starts with a broad discussion related to theoretical and conceptual aspects comprising the concept Social Resilience at the national level, as well as its multiple definitions, dimensions and measurements. This is followed by a unique case study – a longitudinal study conducted in Israel, during the critical period (with over 1000 terrorism-related deaths) of the Second/ Al-Aqsa Intifada (2000-2004), showing some unexpected findings related to community resilience, at the national, mass-behavioral level. These findings comprise both public behavioral indices as well as attitudinal measures. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time such measures are used to assess social resilience. A critical discussion follows, in which the author presents several theoretical and practical challenges to students of the Social Resilience paradigm.

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O’Brien, K., & Sygna, L. (2013). Responding to climate change: the three spheres of transformation. Proceedings of Transformation in a Changing Climate, 19-21

Abstract:

In  this  paper,  we  discuss  four  approaches  to  transformation  that  are  currently  visible  in  the  climate change literature. We then synthesize these approaches by presenting a simple framework that focuses on three interacting “spheres” of transformation.  The  three  spheres,  referred  to  as  the  practical, political,  and  personal  spheres,  can  be  used  as  a  tool  for  understanding  how,  why  and  where transformations toward sustainability may take place. We consider where the four approaches fit into this  framework,  paying  particular  attention  to  how  the  relationships  among  the  spheres  together influence outcomes for sustainability.

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Parsons, M., & Nalau, J. (2016). Historical analogies as tools in understanding transformation. Global Environmental Change, 38, 82-96

Abstract:

Historical analogies of environmental change and stress are a well-established method of examining vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. In our view historical analogies of social transformations can similarly illuminate what factors are conducive to transformation. In this paper we draw on the historical example of the environmental transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand from predominately woodlands into farmlands; a transformation which was inextricably linked with the social transformation of indigenous Māori society following European colonization. The Aotearoa New Zealand case study illustrates how both incidental and purposeful transformations can be instigated by small groups of committed individuals working in formal or informal networks, but can also be imposed by outside experts who instituted widespread changes under notions of progress and improvement without local support or consent. Such transformations involved widespread changes to Indigenous governance regimes, agricultural systems, production and consumption patterns, lifestyles, values and worldviews, and inevitably involved both beneficial and negative outcomes for local peoples. We argue that thinking historically about transformational change provides an opportunity to assess the processes that shape both vulnerability and resilience, and the circumstances under which transformational change occurs, as well as the potential dangers of irreversible changes.

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Tubi, A., & Feitelson, E. (2018). Changing drought vulnerabilities of marginalized resource-dependent groups: a long-term perspective of Israel’s Negev Bedouin. Regional Environmental Change, 1-11

Abstract:

Marginalized resource-dependent groups (MRDGs) are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and weather extremes. However, research on MRDGs tends to analyze their vulnerability in a specific point in time, thereby neglecting the examination of changes that evolve over time spans that are similar to those on which climatic changes occur. This study adopts a long-term perspective, examining changes in the vulnerability of the marginalized and traditionally agro-pastoralist Bedouin residing in the semi-arid and drought-prone northern Negev region. Utilizing multiple data sources, the study compares the vulnerability of the Bedouin during two severe droughts separated by a 40-year period—the 1957–63 drought and the 1998–2000 drought. The changes in the impacts of the droughts on the Bedouin are identified and analyzed, as well as the main factors explaining these changes. The results indicate that the vulnerability of the Bedouin to droughts has declined considerably, largely due to integration in Israel’s market economy and improved access to water infrastructure. Large-scale economic transformations and changes in settlement and water supply patterns explain much of the reduction in vulnerability. However, the Bedouin have remained marginalized and are vulnerable to fluctuations in market conditions. Thus, while we find that the vulnerability of even the most vulnerable groups can decline over time, we also observe that their vulnerability may change its form from “climate vulnerability” to more general social vulnerability.

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