Myanmar - General Situation Update - World Health Organization

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Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 08 May 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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According to state media there are 22,464 reported human deaths so far and 41,054 people missing. The total number of townships affected stands at 47 - 7 townships in the Delta Division are badly affected, plus another 40 townships in the Yangon area.

Reports indicate that the scarcity of drinking water, lack of electricity and gasoline are aggravating the situation. The World Health Organization says the damage and number of injuries are still being assessed. Monitoring is underway to assess the risk of water and vector borne diseases.

WHO Health Action

Coordination

-- Cluster approach initiated by the IASC, and WHO is leading the health cluster
-- Coordination and discussion among health partners is ongoing to understand the gaps in terms of supplies and equipment available
-- Joint UN Flash Appeal being drafted on 7 May 08

Assessment

-- Initial assessment of situation conducted by UNDP
-- Myanmar Red Cross, in together with the International Federation of the Red Cross performed an assessment.
-- Liaising with UNICEF on-going for a rapid health assessment in the area.

Health Care Delivery

-- WHO mobilized 10 Interagency Emergency Health Kits, 100 body bags, 35,000 chlorine tablets and 5 tents.
-- Discussions are ongoing for the mobilization of additional supplies, including diarrhoeal disease kits, water and sanitation kits, bleach powder and long lasting impregnated nets (LLIN) to the area.

Outbreak Control

-- WHO has marshaled teams of regional surveillance officers to the district to review the health situation in the area.

Next Steps

-- Support to staff for operations is forthcoming
-- Acquire extra supplies, locally, from the regional office, or from HQ as applicable
-- Reinforce health coordination in the country
-- Establish a surveillance system in the affected areas
-- Prepare and launch a UN consolidated flash appeal

World Health Organization, Regional Office, South East Asia

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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