Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Chad + 8 more

Health Action in Crises - Highlights No. 211, 02 - 08 Jun 2008

Attachments

Each week, the World Health Organization Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on critical health-related activities in countries where there are humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and headquarters. The mandate of the WHO departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.

MYANMAR

Assessments and Events

To date, no outbreak have been reported. However, there is no reason for complacency and each rumour is investigated as closely as possible. The most frequently reported causes of illness are malaria, dengue, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.

Overall, about 2.4 million people are considered affected in the Irrawaddy Delta and around Yangon, of which 1.3 million had been reached by national or international relief as of 3 June. However, it is not clear how many are receiving sustained assistance.

People are leaving temporary shelters and moving back to their homes or to monasteries.

WHO Regional Surveillance Officers report that there are adequate stocks of medicines in the affected areas. For now, the major factors of risk seems to be the lack of clean water and of soap for individual and household hygiene.

Actions

As of 5 June, a 200-strong team coordinated by the ASEAN Task Force has started deploying to the Delta to undertake a multi-sectoral and double-track Post Nargis Joint Assessment, focusing on (i) immediate needs and (ii) the costs of rebuilding. WHO and the Health Cluster are actively participating in the initiative assessing health systems and preventive and curative services.

A team of WHO epidemiologists is helping reactivate the outbreak early warning and response system. A Health Cluster weekly bulletin is in preparation.

WHO is supporting training of trainers, providing educational materials for NGOs in affected areas and briefing the medical volunteers mobilized by the Myanmar Medical Association.

The MoH, WHO and health partners have set in place a routine of upon-arrival briefings for the ASEAN team that are deployed to the Delta.

WHO and the Health Cluster are working with the MoH on a dengue prevention plan and a psychosocial response plan. The working group on psychosocial support is chaired by IOM.

Since the beginning of the emergency, WHO and the Health Cluster have sent more than 650 metric tonnes of supplies and equipment. WHO also shipped more than 20 000 bed nets and 140 000 are in the pipeline.

WHO continues to advocate stronger support for the health sector. As of 1 June, US$ 6.2 million have been mobilized, including US$ 1.88 million under the CERF Rapid Response window for WHO in partnership with NGOs. In addition to its regular budget, WHO has received donations from Australia, Denmark, Italy, Monaco, Norway, Romania and the United Kingdom.