The environmental health and emergency team has expertise at all levels of WHO – headquarters, regional offices and country offices. We draw upon a network of agencies and experts to support our efforts in assisting countries to prepare for and respond to the environmental health aspects in emergencies. We – including our supporting networks – combine environmental health expertise in the fields of chemical and radionuclear emergencies, with expertise in water, sanitation and waste management, especially in health-care facilities. These WHO activities have been established to complement WHO's capacity to deal with environmental health issues, health action in crises, and disease outbreaks.
For additonal information or feedback on this site the environmental health and emergency team at WHO headquarters can be contacted by e-mail.
"In order to achieve its objective, the functions of the Organization shall be to furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in emergencies, necessary aid upon the request or acceptance of Governments." (Article 2d, WHO Constitution)
International Health Regulations
"The purpose and scope of these Regulations are to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade". (Article 2, Revised International Health Regulations, 2005)
- Public health and environment
- Health Action in Crisis
- Alert and response operations
- International Health Regulations
- Radiation accidents and emergencies
- Water Sanitation and Health
- Chemical incidents and emergencies
- Environmental health in emergencies and disasters