5m people without access to basic services in Southeast Asia, warns WHO

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 31 Dec 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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Following tsunamis, US$40 million urgently needed to avert public health disaster

- The World Health Organization (WHO) today said urgent action is needed to address the emerging public health needs of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia. Between three and five million people in the region are unable to access the basic requirements they need to stay alive - clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation and healthcare.

To address the immediate public health needs and respond to this major catastrophe, WHO estimates that it will need US$ 40 million.

"Four days after the tsunami struck the coasts of Southeast Asia, we now have a clearer picture of the extent of the devastation and human suffering which has occurred," said Dr LEE, Jong-wook, Director-General, WHO. "This is the most serious natural disaster to affect the region for several decades. The health needs of the populations affected are immediate and substantial."

"Unless the necessary funds are urgently mobilized and coordinated in the field," commented Dr David Nabarro, WHO Representative for Health Action in Crises, "we could see as many fatalities from diseases as we have seen from the actual disaster itself. The tsunami was not preventable, but preventing unnecessary deaths and suffering is."

While information is still scarce after the devastating tsunami, WHO and its United Nations and nongovernmental organization partners are completing preliminary assessments of the human consequences of this disaster. Current estimates put the number of dead at more than 80 000, with as many as 300 000 people injured, many need urgent medical or surgical treatment. Countless other survivors are at risk of infectious diseases or aggravating existing health conditions. In Indonesia, for example, on the coast of Aceh, only one hospital remains operational. No electricity or fuel is available. In Sri Lanka, much of the public health infrastructure in coastal areas is reportedly damaged and functional units are overwhelmed…………….. CONTINUES………….www.who.int

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