The Hindu : National : WHO helping flood victims

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Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
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WHO helping flood victims

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is working closely with the governments of India and Nepal to minimise the risk of disease outbreaks and provide basic healthcare for the millions affected by floods.

The WHO’s assistance includes supplying emergency medicines and equipment for 1,80,000 people, supporting disease surveillance and child immunisation campaigns and ensuring safe drinking water, Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO regional director for South East Asia, said here.

In India, the floods have affected 3.4 million people in 1900 villages and the WHO was working with the U.N. Disaster Management team, Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry and the Bihar State Health Department to respond to the humanitarian crisis.

Over 70 WHO staff from the National Polio Surveillance programme were monitoring the health situation in temporary accommodation camps.

The WHO was assisting in planning measles immunisation for children in the age group of 6 months to 14 years and providing oral vitamin A drops for children up to 5 years.

The WHO’s technical guidelines and material to communicate key health messages to the public were being shared.

The WHO was providing $12,000 to the Indian Red Cross for logistical support to facilitate the prompt delivery of relief material, including safe drinking water, tents, bed nets and clothing, a statement issued by the WHO said.

Over 285 relief camps and 240 health centres have been opened for the displaced.

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