WHO scales up health response after Afghanistan earthquake

Cairo/Kabul, 26 June 2022 — Hours after the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan on 22 June that killed more than 800 people, injured 1400 more, and destroyed thousands of homes, WHO sent mobile health teams and ambulances, trauma kits and surgical supplies, medical equipment and other emergency supplies to treat the injured and replenish health supplies for hospitals in the affected provinces of Paktika, Khost and Paktia. “Every life lost in this latest disaster facing the people of Afghanistan is one life too many. Every life lost represents someone's mother, father, child, friend or neighbour. Our response, and that of all health partners on the ground, is to treat the injured, save lives, and minimize the risk of death and disease in the aftermath of this tragedy. We thank all partners for their concerted efforts and solidarity to help those affected,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.  On site, 8 ambulances and 2o mobile health teams provided by WHO helped transport victims and bodies from affected areas to the nearest hospitals. A neurosurgeon, doctors, nurses and a trauma management officer were deployed to support hospitals caring for the injured and implementation of mass casualty management plans in the facilities.  WHO is also deploying mental health and psychosocial support experts to provide emergency counselling to families affected by the earthquake. A shipment of almost 10 tonnes of medicines a...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news