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CBRNE Disaster Management at KNH KNH
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By Poline Njue
A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community.
Disaster management entails action or prior organized and managed resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies.
It involves mitigation and proper preparedness for disaster response, modalities for stabilizing the victims, rehabilitation, and it further calls for proper strategy and coordination as per the Disaster Management and Risk Reduction: Strategy and Coordination global plan 2010-2011 and The International Federation policies.
There are various disaster risk factors such as poverty & inequality, vulnerability, susceptibility to climate change and variability, unplanned and rapid urbanization, lack of disaster risk considerations, myths about disasters- unpreparedness on capacity & capability.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) refers to the uncontrolled release of CBRN in an environment or Explosives that cause widespread damage.
There are various mitigation factors for CBRNE including:
• Training to safeguard people and countries from the terrible effects of CBRNE • Resource mobilization- this involves procuring and or constructing required items for
CBRNE prevention
When CBRNE is not prevented, various effects occur with mass human destruction which results to:
• Massive physical impact and loss of lives • Financial/economic constraints • Psychosocial /emotional instability
Disaster management aims therefore to reduce (avoid, if possible) the potential hazards, ensure prompt and appropriate assistance to the victims when necessary, and achieve rapid and durable recovery.
According to CBRNE champion for KNH in Kenya and Assistant Chief Nurse, Poline Njue, CBRNE is a disaster of key concern due to various factors: • It is difficult to recognize or detect once released (since it is odorless, colorless, not seen nor felt) • There are ignorance and myths factors on information about
CBRNE, ignorance of authority,
CBRNE Institutions are not taken seriously, ignorance of CBRNE Partnerships, and lack of plans, resources, and procedures to activate CBRNE specialists.
Preparedness for CBRNE can employ either primary or secondary mitigation strategies. Primary mitigation includes reducing the presence of hazards and reducing vulnerability.
Secondary mitigation includes reducing the effects of the hazard which entails preparedness through trained personnel, funds, equipment & supplies, safe environment for effective relief.
In addition, the response is secondary mitigation that involves an assessment of the equipment needed to reduce CBRNE effects and reduce suffering by ensuring that there is no secondary contamination. Rehabilitation & reconstruction ensures that equipment and facilities needed to reduce CBRNE effects are up to standard.
On March 28th, 2017, the European Union (EU) granted Kenya specialized equipment worth Kshs. 32 million to enhance the country’s capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents arising from intentional, accidental, or natural causes.
The collaboration resulted in the implementation of five projects aimed at enhancing CBRN risk mitigation efforts. Kenya stands among 8 CBRN centers of excellence globally.
The CBRN Centers of Excellence is an initiative of the EU, jointly implemented by the United National Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the European Commission Joint Research Center. The aim is to create regional and national initiatives dedicated to improving national policies and international cooperation in CBRN risk mitigation. Kenya stands among 8 CBRN centers of excellence globally.
Following the presidential directive through the letter ref no CAB/NSC/14/2/32 dated 8/8/2013, KNH established a command structure, budget, and SOP based on best practice. As a stakeholder under the Ministry of Health, KNH developed a disaster management plan policy which contained the strategic plan, federal stakeholders, national science and technology policy, scope; lead activities, foundation to bridge identified gaps, and coordination with agencies and applicability.
The policy was signed on June 27, 2014. Vision 2030 promotes safety & security and protects Kenyan assets from adverse impacts of hazards & disasters. KNH being the state hospital has a standing Disaster Management Committee (DMC) whose focus is to be a world-class hospital in terms of hazard and disaster preparedness activities.
PHOTO | COURTESY
