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USAID/OFDA Health Sector Update - October 2013

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World
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USAID
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SECTOR OVERVIEW

Populations affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies experience diverse public health impacts, often complicated by displacement and the disruption of basic services. USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) remains at the forefront of the humanitarian community’s efforts to mitigate mortality and morbidity during crises by supporting a wide range of health interventions, including life-saving medical assistance, immunization campaigns, disease surveillance systems, vector-control activities, and capacity-building trainings for national health workers. Recognizing the inextricable link between health and other core humanitarian sectors, particularly nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), USAID/OFDA supports integrated programs that simultaneously address multiple determinants of poor health—such as access to health facilities, food security, and the availability of safe drinking water—in emergencies. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, USAID/OFDA provided more than $151 million to help mitigate and prevent impacts of natural and man-made crises on the health of affected populations. Assistance included nearly $145 million for health interventions in 13 countries and more than $6 million for global and regional health initiatives.