WHO supports campaign to make schools and hospitals safer

9 APRIL, 2010 | MANILA/GENEVA -- The World Health Organization is pledging its support to the One Million Safe Schools and Hospitals Campaign launched yesterday in Manila. The goal of the new United Nations' global campaign is to protect health and educational facilities, and the millions of people who rely on them for healthcare and learning, from emergencies. "This campaign is unique because it offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to protect their hospitals and schools, and in turn save lives," says Dr Eric Laroche, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Action in Crises. "Members of the public, governments, health workers and hospital staff can all find a way to actively support this initiative to make one million hospitals and schools safe from disasters." Supporting the campaign People can make pledges under three types of categories, including: volunteering to raise awareness about safe schools and hospitals; leading or supporting safety and disaster preparedness activities; donating time and/or resources to make hospitals and schools safer by buying safety equipment, maintaining surroundings and repairing facilities. By pledging its support to the campaign, WHO will continue its w...