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Emergency response can be effective only when there is a comprehensive understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities of a geographical region, the population residing therein and the supporting ecological environment. Such understanding guides risk reduction efforts, preparedness, readiness and response interventions towards public health events and emergencies.

This Emergency Response Operations Manual has been developed to ensure preparations and readiness for a timely, effective and quality emergency response. It serves both as a guide and as a source of checklists, formats, standard operating procedures and explanations to various processes and procedures that are followed within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE).

The manual clearly elaborates WHO’s role in any health emergency, what to do when an emergency occurs and the various practical steps and activities which are implemented at the activation of the Incident Management System. The manual is intended for all WHE focal points in country offices and for emergency responders in the field. It is hoped that this manual and app will also enhance readers’ understanding of emergency focal points of ministries of health and operational partners in the South-East Asia Region with regard to how WHO functions and manages health emergencies.