World Disasters Report 2022

Trust, equity and local action: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to avert the next global crisis.

The 2021/2022 World Disaster Report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has a major focus on preparedness, specifically in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report addresses the ways in which preparedness ahead of COVID-19 was inadequate as well as how to prepare more effectively for future public health emergencies. Being truly prepared means being ready to respond, to recover, and to learn lessons for next time. This report details how preparedness is an ongoing process that requires listening, reflection, and collaboration and is built on trust and the leadership of local communities.

Released every two years by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the report provides data and analysis on the global impacts of disasters.

Report cover

World Disasters Report 2022

Trust, Equity and Local Action
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to avert the next global crisis

Read the report »

Key numbers

The coronavirus pandemic has been the biggest disaster in living memory, on almost any measure. Over 6.5 million people are confirmed to have died in less than 3 years (WHO)

The International Monetary Fund has estimated that the pandemic will cost the global economy $13.8 trillion by the end of 2024 (Gopinath, 2022)

In 2021, 436 disasters were recorded – not including disease outbreaks – which is considerably higher than the 20-year average of 357 disasters per year

Everyone can do something to get prepared

The report offers our global community six essential actions if we are to be prepared for a future global health emergency all of which contribute to building preparedness.

  1. Strengthening prevention and preparedness at the local level.
  2. Leveraging the roles and capacities of communities and local actors through integrated community health systems.
  3. Building global solidarity mechanisms to ensure that pandemic response products reach all communities.
  4. Protecting communities against the socio-economic impacts of public health emergencies.
  5. Collecting local data and harnessing it to take action.
  6. Strengthening legal preparedness for public health emergencies.

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