Each week, the World Health Organization Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on critical health-related activities in countries where there are humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and headquarters. The mandate of the WHO departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Assessments and Events
- The intensification of the conflict during the past weeks exacerbated the already precarious humanitarian situation.
- The evacuation of some critically injured patients through Rafah has alleviated the strain on Gaza's hospitals. However, the ICRC reports that surgical facilities, particularly in the north, still deal with large number of wounded.
- Gaza continues to suffer from electricity blackouts that force hospitals to switch on their generators, while the supply of fuel remains precarious. Electric shortages also impede the supply of drinking water for about half a million residents. Raw, untreated sewage continues to be discharged into the sea at the rate of 20 000 m3 each day.
Actions
- WHO is monitoring the health situation, including the evacuation of medical cases through Rafah and Erez crossings, and the availability of fuel for emergency generators and vehicles.
- In the monthly health coordination meeting, WHO presented the current status of MoH health care facilities in terms of functionality of ambulances and intensive care units, availability of hospital beds, health personnel, pharmaceuticals and electricity.
- WHO is coordinating with UNRWA, UNICEF and OCHA the preparation of a health sector contingency plan for Gaza.
- In 2007, WHO's emergency activities were supported by ECHO, Italy, Norway, OCHA/Spain, and the CERF.
More information is available at: www.emro.who.int/palestine/
NAMIBIA
Assessments and Events
- Floods in the north have displaced thousands of people. Preliminary reports from regional authorities suggest that up to 29 persons have died in Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Caprivi.
- Health clinics are cut off, while outreach services had to be suspended because of damaged roads. Also cut off from the rest of the country is Engela district hospital, where the MoH had detected a cholera outbreak: out of 123 suspect cases, at least four suspected were confirmed and two deaths are reported.
- The Namibian Red Cross reports that displaced persons lack safe water and sanitation facilities. The Government has declared a state of emergency and appealed to the international community for assistance.
Actions
- National disaster authorities, accompanied by an UN inter-agency team, are assessing damages and needs.
- WHO is participating in a mission with the MoH, the Ministry of Defense and UNICEF, to assess the situation and identify immediate needs.
- WHO is providing one diarrhoeal disease kit, which contains enough drugs and supplies to treat 100 severe cases, and is fielding one logistician to support the coordination of health operations.
- WHO's emergency operations are so far funded by the regular budget. WHO will assist the Government and partners in preparing an appeal for aid.