(press release) Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Date: 16 Jun 2008
SEA/PR/1471 New Delhi, 16 June, 2008: The World Health Organization and Health Cluster partners have released the first disease surveillance bulletin in cyclone affected areas based on the Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS). Between 1-7 June, 685 cases of acute respiratory infections, 117 cases of bloody diarrhoea, 542 cases of acute diarrhoea, 337 cases of trauma/injuries, 10 cases of measles, 5 cases of malaria and three cases of suspected dengue hemorrhagic fever were reported.
WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has developed a plan of action for dengue prevention and control. Dengue is endemic to Myanmar however the number of cases is expected to rise due to a possible increase in mosquito breeding sites after the cyclone. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health in measles vaccination for all children aged 9 months to 10 years. WHO is playing a key role in a comprehensive impact assessment conducted by the UN, ASEAN and the Myanmar Government. WHO experts are actively involved in training, planning, management and logistics for the assessment. This Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PONJA) has two components: community-oriented Village Tract Assessment, and Damage and Loss Assessment, which will focus on the cost of rebuilding the damaged infrastructure. Over 20 UN teams comprising of more than 200 experts are involved.'Data from this assessment will help us respond effectively to the health needs of the affected people. We will be able to tailor our actions precisely to their needs' said Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, on his return from Myanmar. Over 6 million liters of water is being disinfected daily, covering the needs of approximately two million people. 50 water treatment units have been sent to Myanmar out of which 10 have been deployed in the Delta. Local staffs are being trained to use these units. Rainwater collection is increasingly being introduced and represents the main source of fresh water in southern parts of the Delta. Sea water has contaminated ponds, which are the main source of water for many villages, and are being cleaned on a priority basis. 'The quality and availability of water remains a major health concern. Based on our past experience in disasters, WHO standards and guidelines in water quality management are being applied on the ground' said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Deputy Regional Director for South-East Asia. WHO in collaboration with Ministry of Health is planning more field visits during the coming weeks to provide technical assistance on the ground, to help monitor the health response activities, identify gaps and plan further interventions. For further information, go to: http://www.searo.who.intNew Delhi: Ms Vismita Gupta-Smith, Public Information and Advocacy officer, WHO South-East Asia Region Tel: +91-11-23309401, e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
; Bangkok: Mr Chadin Tephaval, Communications Officer WHO Thailand, Tel: +62-2-5807535 email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
; Geneva: Mr Paul Garwood, Communications Officer WHO Health Action in Crises (Geneva), cell phone +41-794755546
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Statements 
