Citation

Nakamura Y. Jpn. Med. Assn. J. JMAJ 2005; 48(7): 377-384.

Affiliation

Department of International Collaboration, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Japan Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Disasters have the greatest affect on the most vulnerable groups - especially children. Children are particular at risk because they are developing in both physical and psychological aspects. Most young children depend on routine and consistency in the environment, home life and in relationships with their family. Disasters have affects on public health such as infectious diseases including diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, measles and malaria. Psychosocial support to children and their family is essential from the viewpoint of mental health. In refugee camps, playgrounds for children are set up even in the emergency phase. Japan has developed good practice from its lessons learned in disaster medicine, and should contribute to international cooperation for children in disasters.