Tsunami recovery process focuses on long-term health capacity development

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 was one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory. Six months after the tragedy, the rebuilding and recovery process has provided an opportunity for the health sectors in the affected countries, assisted by the World Health Organization (WHO), to strengthen their health systems in a long-term, sustainable manner. Local health capacity and infrastructure are being fortified and local people have been trained in skills that will serve their communities better.