Medical Supply Shortages Impact Earthquake Response in Myanmar
The United Nations reports urgent humanitarian needs following a devastating earthquake that has left over 1,600 dead.
GENEVA: The United Nations reported a critical shortage of medical supplies is severely hindering the earthquake response efforts in Myanmar.
Following a significant earthquake on Friday, which has resulted in over 1,600 fatalities in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, the UN stressed the need for immediate humanitarian assistance for the affected populations.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that the full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, but it is clear that urgent support is required.
The agency indicated that the lack of medical supplies such as trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and temporary shelters for health workers was impeding response operations.
Hospitals and health facilities have reported extensive damage or complete destruction, complicating the delivery of medical care.
Reports indicate that telecommunications and internet disruptions are also obstructing communication and coordination efforts.
Damaged roads and debris further complicate access for humanitarian workers, preventing timely assistance and effective needs assessments.
Thousands of individuals are reportedly sheltering outdoors due to the destruction of homes, and many remain fearful of further seismic activity.
Areas in central and northwestern Myanmar, particularly the cities of Mandalay, Magway, and Naypyidaw, are experiencing an influx of injured individuals straining hospital resources.
In the southern Shan state, multiple townships have been reportedly affected, with immediate needs for clothing, blankets, emergency shelters, and food supplies identified.
In response to these urgent needs, a convoy of 17 cargo trucks from China, carrying emergency shelters and medical supplies, is anticipated to arrive in Myanmar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized nearly three tons of medical supplies, including trauma kits and multi-purpose tents, from its emergency stockpile in Yangon to support hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyidaw.
The WHO's South-East Asia office highlighted the critical importance of immediate support to save lives.
Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), indicated that Red Cross teams in Myanmar are actively engaged in rescue operations, pre-hospital care, and the distribution of emergency shelter materials.
In statements from Yangon, Marie Manrique, acting head of delegation for the IFRC in Myanmar, reported an escalating number of fatalities and injuries, while acknowledging some successful recoveries.
She expressed concern about the long-term housing needs for displaced individuals, given the extensive damage to residential infrastructure.
Following a significant earthquake on Friday, which has resulted in over 1,600 fatalities in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, the UN stressed the need for immediate humanitarian assistance for the affected populations.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that the full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, but it is clear that urgent support is required.
The agency indicated that the lack of medical supplies such as trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and temporary shelters for health workers was impeding response operations.
Hospitals and health facilities have reported extensive damage or complete destruction, complicating the delivery of medical care.
Reports indicate that telecommunications and internet disruptions are also obstructing communication and coordination efforts.
Damaged roads and debris further complicate access for humanitarian workers, preventing timely assistance and effective needs assessments.
Thousands of individuals are reportedly sheltering outdoors due to the destruction of homes, and many remain fearful of further seismic activity.
Areas in central and northwestern Myanmar, particularly the cities of Mandalay, Magway, and Naypyidaw, are experiencing an influx of injured individuals straining hospital resources.
In the southern Shan state, multiple townships have been reportedly affected, with immediate needs for clothing, blankets, emergency shelters, and food supplies identified.
In response to these urgent needs, a convoy of 17 cargo trucks from China, carrying emergency shelters and medical supplies, is anticipated to arrive in Myanmar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized nearly three tons of medical supplies, including trauma kits and multi-purpose tents, from its emergency stockpile in Yangon to support hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyidaw.
The WHO's South-East Asia office highlighted the critical importance of immediate support to save lives.
Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), indicated that Red Cross teams in Myanmar are actively engaged in rescue operations, pre-hospital care, and the distribution of emergency shelter materials.
In statements from Yangon, Marie Manrique, acting head of delegation for the IFRC in Myanmar, reported an escalating number of fatalities and injuries, while acknowledging some successful recoveries.
She expressed concern about the long-term housing needs for displaced individuals, given the extensive damage to residential infrastructure.
