Intensifying support to earthquake–hit Myanmar, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided nearly 100 tonnes of medicines, medical devices and tents so far, and is assisting in coordination and deployment of emergency medical teams on the ground to meet the growing and evolving health needs of the nearly 12.9 million people in need of humanitarian health assistance.
Photo credit - WHO Myanmar/Seng Aung
WHO flew in 35 tonnes of supplies from its Global Logistics Hub in Dubai to Yangon yesterday evening. Earlier 60 tonnes of trauma kits, with medicines, medical and surgical devices, and multipurpose tents were provided from the emergency stockpiles in Yangon for Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Sagaing. More life–saving supplies are being procured as per the needs identified by health partners, and is being readied to be flown into Myanmar from WHO’s Logistics Hub in the coming week.
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Photo credit - WHO Myanmar/Seng Aung
Additional experts have been flown into to Myanmar to strengthen WHO’s support to earthquake response, including for coordination of Emergency Medical Teams on the ground, a key function that WHO supports in health emergencies.
WHO has also reached out to the Emergency Medical Teams Network and its quality–assured medical teams to support the ongoing relief efforts and the provision of medical care.
WHO continues to provide operational support for the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to the hardest–hit areas, including Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and Sagaing. These teams, providing life–saving health services to vulnerable populations, have been on the ground since 29 March, delivering immediate medical care, conducting rapid assessments, and supporting local health authorities in disaster relief and recovery efforts.
Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw, followed by Bago, Magway, Shan South and East are among the worst earthquake affected areas. Preliminary assessments indicated high numbers of casualties and trauma–related injuries, with urgent needs for emergency care. With disruption of electricity and water supplies and worsening access to health services, there is increased risk of outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases.
With many health facilities partially or fully damaged, WHO has provided multipurpose tents to expand service capacity in hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
The epicenter of the earthquake was close to Sagaing township in Sagaing Region which is home to approximately one third of the country’s internally displaced population, many of whom were already experiencing critical shortages of water, sanitation, hygiene, and shelter even before the earthquake struck, in view of the ongoing conflict.
To reach populations in remote areas WHO has provided medical supplies to local organizations to treat acute watery diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, and skin infections.
WHO remains committed to work with all organizations and partners to ensure a coordinated and principled health response that leaves no one behind.For more information - People's Health in Myanmar