World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies. Health centres and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters - treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs.

World Health Day 2009 website

GLOBAL, 8 October 2008. The International Day for Disaster Reduction raises the profile of disaster risk reduction and encourages every citizen and government to take part in building more resilient communities and nations. This year the focus of the International Day for Disaster Reduction is on making hospitals and health facilities safe from disaster. The Day is being marked the world over by the United Nations, governments, organizations and the public. UNISDR, the WHO and national governments are working together to raise awarenss of disaster risk reduction on 8 October and launch new tools like the Hospital Safety Index.