The role of obstetrics and gynecology national societies during natural disasters.
When a natural disaster occurs, such as an earthquake, floods, or a tsunami, the international response is quick. However, there is no organized strategy in place to address obstetric and gynecological (ob/gyn) emergencies. International organizations and national ob/gyn societies do not have an organized plan and rely on the good will of volunteers. Too often, local specialists are ignored and are not involved in the response. The massive earthquake in Haiti in 2010 exemplifies the lack of coordinated response involving national organizations following the disaster. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) engaged rapidly with Haitian colleagues in response to the obstetric and gynecological emergencies. An active strategy is proposed.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: alalonde1801@gmail.com.
André
A
Lalonde
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Lauré
L
Adrien
D002170:Canada; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006205:Haiti; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D012955:Societies, Medical
Disaster relief team; National societies; Natural disasters; OB/GYN professional association; Support societies