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Frequently, entomological and vector control consultants or teams
of multidisciplinary control personnel are needed in the period following a
natural disaster. The composition of such teams will depend upon the nature of
the disaster and the needs of the country. In general, the team may include an
entomologist, a vector control specialist, a rodent control specialist and a
sanitarian. If the country has a serious malaria problem, a malariologist should
be added to the team. Any individual or team should collaborate with members of
epidemiological teams and existing medical and vector control staffs.
Perhaps also needed are personnel who have had practical
experience and training in the assembly, calibration, operation and maintenance
of vector control equipment.
The Pan American Health Organization maintains a list of experts
in these fields, some of whom have had experience as consultants during natural
disasters. The Organization also has a procurement unit that is experienced in
handling orders for equipment and supplies, and the unit is available to assist
governments in emergency
situations.