Disaster health in shelters in Japan

Disaster shelters are the first place where the dislocated people affected by disasters stay and live temporarily until they find the next place to live. The recent disaster relief practice at shelters is under development. Since the introduction of the Sphere standards, local governments and NGOs/NPOs are becoming aware of the standards. Health professionals, particularly nurses, are well-positioned to coordinate the disaster-affected people health needs to maintain and promote their well-being. Common health issues after disasters have been investigated. Further, prevention and interventions have been provided; however, there are few studies that indicate the quality of health care provided at shelters. The number of people with NCDs and the recipient of home care have been dramatically increasing in Japan. Creating a system for continuity of care between the non-disaster and disaster phases is a critical issue to prevent unnecessary deaths by disasters. Health care should be provided wherever and whenever for affected people's need. This accessibility of health care will lead and support not only contribute to the Universal Health Coverage that Japan installed since the 1960s but also to SDGs 3. The principle of care in disasters, such as prevention and intervention with quality care at shelters, would prevent further pressure on care costs.