The World Society for Disaster Nursing (WSDN) is a global platform dedicated to advancing Disaster Nursing practices and strengthening community resilience.
The 8th WSDN International Conference was recently held between November 29 to December 1, 2024 at the Kobe City College of Nursing, Japan. The event brought over 400 participants from 14 regions and countries. This year’s theme ‘Rethinking Disaster Nursing in a Changing Risk Environment,’ provided a unique platform for global dialogue and knowledge sharing on crucial issues such as alignment with the Sendai Framework and SDGs, community care, inclusivity, data management, and visualisation. Various interactive exhibits, workshops, and excursions helped make the event a resounding success.
ADRRN and Advancing Disaster Nursing
With the shared mission of improved disaster nursing, the summit marked a milestone as ADRRN supported the inaugural Dr. Yuko Kuroda Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Resilience. This prestigious award aims to recognise and honor the exceptional nurses who have made significant contributions to disaster-affected communities.
Speaking at the event, Takeshi Komino, Vice President ADRRN stated:
“Having attended the 8th International Research Conference of World Society of Disaster Nursing, I was reminded once again of the significant role nurses play in disaster management. One realisation I had was how our focus is always on immediate response, but actual recovery is a long process in which the accompaniment of the nurses in the area is the backbone for the recovery. Disaster management practitioners like ourselves need to work more closely with them, and it was our honour to be able to award two distinct leaders from Japan (Ms. Kataoka) and Nepal (Ms.Sherpa). What they have accomplished is exactly what we aspire for in disaster resilient communities.”
Honoring Dedication and Resilience: Meet the Awardees
Natsuko Kataoka and Thakchi Sherpa were the two remarkable nurses conferred with the first-ever Dr. Yuko Kuroda Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Resilience.
Natsuko Kataoka from Japan founded the SOUL Visiting Nurses, a lifeline for disaster-hit communities. When the 2018 floods submerged their station, Kataoka continued providing medical care from an emergency shelter and rebuilt SOUL into a hub for mental health support and recovery, transforming countless lives.
Thakchi Sherpa from Nepal became a beacon of hope after the 2015 earthquake. She established camps with essential supplies and set up mobile clinics that still serve survivors, addressing critical health challenges and offering solace to hundreds.
The awardees have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and innovation in their work, inspiring others to take action. Their compassionate efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of countless people affected by disasters. By recognising and celebrating their outstanding achievements, ADRRN aims to inspire future generations of disaster nurses to continue to strive for excellence and make a difference in the world.
