WHO emergency supplies and human resources for Myanmar after a horrific earthquake, in the context of the country’s health is under great pressure.
On March 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) quickly transferred nearly 3 tons of medical supplies to hospitals now Pyi Taw and Mandalay, the two areas most heavily influenced by the earthquake in Myanmar.
Lot of materials includes a multi -purpose kit and tent, which is transferred from the reserve in Yangon to the affected areas within 24 hours after two strong earthquakes 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude occurred in central Myanmar on Friday. At this time Pyi Taw, these materials have been to a 1,000 -bed hospital and will continue to be transferred to Mandalay General Hospital, two main facilities for the victims.
Rescue activities are still happening in Bago, Magway, Mandalay, now Pyi Taw, South and East Shan, and Sagaing. The health system in these areas is under great pressure due to the increase in the number of casualties. Thousands of injured people need medical care, especially injury treatment, surgery, supply of blood transfusion materials, anesthesia, essential drugs, while ensuring clean and hygienic water. In addition, the demand for psychological support and mental health is also very urgent.
Doctors and medical teams treated a trapped victim to be rescued after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar on March 30. Image: AFP
WHO has sent a versatile tent to create more treatment space and injury kit to support the handling of serious fractures and wounds. The organization is also preparing the second aid, including interdisciplinary emergency medical kits, with enough materials to treat 10,000 people in three months.
At the same time, the United Nations Health Agency supports fast -response teams in affected hospitals, and cooperates with partners to quickly assess the actual needs. This helps to better identify the shortage and propose appropriate response measures.
The level of casualties and damage to medical facilities has not been fully statistical. However, the initial report showed that Mandalay, Sagaing and now Pyi Taw suffered serious damage due to the earthquake destroyed many buildings and buildings. At this time Pyi Taw, many public and private health facilities, including a large general clinic, has suffered significant losses. Sagaing is currently difficult to update the situation due to power outages and communication interrupt.
WHO has contacted the network of global emergency medical teams to coordinate the deployment of health teams and field hospitals in Myanmar. Up to the present time, 26 teams have been registered to participate in support.
The situation in Myanmar is still especially worrying when the health system is inherently fragile due to the influence of conflicts. Before the earthquake occurred, it was estimated that 12.9 million people in Myanmar needed humanitarian medical interventions by 2025. This disaster increased pressure on the nation’s health system.