A consultative meeting took place last week with Dr.Tamara Wickramasekara ( FPA SPRINT III Project Consultant), Dr. Neelamani Hewageegana, Mr. Chathura Liyanaarachige (Assistant Director, Disaster Management Centre, - DMC) and Dr. Lakshman Senanayaka. Staff, representatives from the Family Health Bureau, DMC, National Disaster Relief Service Centre and FPASL were present.

Emergencies have a disproportionate effect on the poorest and most vulnerable. These include women, children, adolescents, those expressing non-binary gender identity or sexual orientation, and persons with disabilities. A proactive approach that strengthens health systems and builds national, sub-national, and community capacity can reduce lives lost and mitigate the impact of disasters, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities.