The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) defines disaster risk reduction as “the conceptual framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within the broad context of sustainable development.”

Disaster risk reduction strategies are important in mitigating the effects of natural disasters in developing countries. According to an Oxfam International report released in November 2007, natural disasters have increased four-fold over the last two decades, from an average of 120 per year to as many as 500 per year. The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters reports 197 million people were affected by disasters in 2007.

The April issue of Monday Developments explores disaster risk reduction: the types of potential disasters, their effect on poor communities and ways to mitigate disasters. It also addresses preparing for a pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of field staff as well as the role climate change plays in increasing the risk for disasters.