WHO: The response to the 2015 Nepal earthquakes - the value of preparedness

The earthquake that Nepal had long been preparing for struck on 25 April, 2015. Thanks to the preparations Nepal’s government had made with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners, when the earthquake struck on 25 April, health services kept functioning in many areas that had been affected.

WHO had been supporting steps in preparedness such as holding contigency workshops, WHO drills, revision of emergency plans and stockpiling health supplies and office supplies and equipment.

But the country still has great needs – including facing the threat of communicable disease outbreaks and avalanches – and requires continued international support.