Healthcare mission to a humanitarian disaster: a descriptive study of multidisciplinary interventions during the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Abstract
Objective
Floods are the most common natural disasters worldwide, and their health impacts are exacerbated by climate change and population vulnerability. Humanitarian missions are essential for providing rapid and sustained medical care in disaster settings. However, evidence regarding the clinical and procedural aspects of multidisciplinary care during such missions remains limited. We examined the clinical profile and interventions provided during a humanitarian mission conducted in response to severe flooding in southern Brazil.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was conducted during a humanitarian mission organized by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Canoas, one of the municipalities most severely affected by the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. From May to June 2024, all individuals who voluntarily sought medical care were included. Multidisciplinary teams provided in-person assistance. Data from manual medical records were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
A total of 2,060 patients were evaluated. General practitioners conducted 33.16% of consultations. The most frequent procedures were dermatological, including wound care (72.69%) and abscess drainage (7.63%). Point-of-care testing primarily targeted dengue (50.58%) and influenza (19.77%), with 54.15% of tests yielding positive results. The most frequently administered medications were analgesics (34.61%), bronchodilators (8.98%), and antibiotics (8.14%). Mental health consultations accounted for 6.46% of total visits. Most patients (94.34%) were discharged, whereas 3.28% required referral to emergency care.
Conclusion
The mission demonstrated the effectiveness of a rapid multidisciplinary care model in addressing acute healthcare needs during flooding. Integrating diagnostic testing and mental healthcare may help reduce disease burden and alleviate pressure on local healthcare systems.