Saturday 2nd May 2015- World Health Organisation: WHO mobilizes funds for long-term spinal cord treatment after Nepal earthquake

‘Among the estimated 14 000 injuries incurred as a result of the April 25 earthquake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and has so far resulted in 6200 recorded fatalities, approximately 1 in 3 (or around 4700) will require follow-up rehabilitation treatment. Of this number, approximately 12 percent have damage to their spinal cord.

According to Dr Ganesh Gurung, who is coordinating operations at Bir Trauma Centre, Nepal neither has the human resources nor medical facilities to deal with the needs of those suffering spinal injuries, making the delivery of such resources critical to the wider relief effort.

“The number one need now is spinal cord rehabilitation – human and medical resources related to that are the most important because we do not have those kinds of resources,” said Gurung, emphasizing that as the relief effort moves from search and rescue and immediate medical relief, so too must the resources being offered.’

‘“The treatment and proper handling and care of those injured are essential to prevent future disabilities,” said Damodar Adhikari, Programme Manager at WHO Nepal Earthquake Response, adding, “If the people are not properly cared for, spinal cord injuries could lead to paralysis.”

According to Dr Roderico Ofrin, WHO’s Overall Health Response Manager in Nepal, spinal care has been identified as a critical medical gap, and is being flagged for funding, reflecting WHO’s long-term commitment to the health and welfare of the Nepalese people.’

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WHO mobilizes funds for long-term spinal cord treatment after Nepal earthquake

Friday 1st May 2015- World Health Organisation: Nepal: WHO works with partners to prevent diarrhoeal diseases

‘“After an earthquake of this magnitude, the water supply is often damaged and contaminated, increasing the risk that people drinking it could develop diarrhoeal diseases,” says Dr Lin Aung, WHO’s Representative to Nepal. “The crowded living conditions in temporary shelters increase the chance that these types of diseases could spread.”

Since Saturday’s disaster, at least 2.8 million people have been displaced either because their houses have been destroyed or because they are too afraid of aftershocks to remain in their homes. Many are living in precarious conditions, including in 16 makeshift camps in Kathmandu. There, they are exposed to the elements, often with little more than a tarpaulin for shelter.’

‘In addition to setting up systems to identify these diseases early, WHO, the Government and other health partners are providing safe water supplies and sanitation facilities, such as pit latrines and mobile toilets, to the camps. Work is also underway to improve hygiene promotion in these locations.

“WHO has been supplying chlorine tablets to treat drinking water and materials including soap and towels to improve hygiene, which reduces the risk of disease,” says Payden, WHO’s Regional Advisor for Water, Sanitation and Health.

In addition WHO is bringing in kits containing medicines and medical equipment to treat cases of diarrhoeal diseases. The kits contain IV fluids, antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, disinfectant, and other supplies and information so that all health workers have what they need.’

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Nepal: WHO works with partners to prevent diarrhoeal diseases

Thursday 30th April 2015- World Health Organisation: WHO, health partners striving to treat quake survivors in Nepal’s remote regions

‘WHO has stepped up efforts to deliver critical medical relief to populations outside of the Kathmandu valley affected by Saturday’s earthquake, with a major focus on reaching injured people and preventing disease outbreaks.

Coordinating health sector partners in support of Nepal’s government, WHO is striving to reach remote areas beyond the capital, Kathmandu, where road access has been hampered by damage caused by the 25 April earthquake.’

‘To date, Sindhupalchowk has reported the highest fatalities of any region in Nepal. Authorities say that at least 1400 people had died there, and warning that the number could rise to 3000.

Many people in the district have been displaced, while others require immediate medical attention, which so far has been difficult to provide. Landslides block the district’s transport arteries and the terrain is often inaccessible.’

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WHO, health partners striving to treat quake survivors in Nepal’s remote regions

Tuesday 28th April 2015- The British Medical Journal: WHO calls for $5m for earthquake relief

‘The World Health Organization has called for $5m (£3.3m; €4.6m) to help it respond to the grave humanitarian situation in Nepal after the country was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale.

Both the earthquake, which struck on 25 April, and around 60 aftershocks have caused heavy damage as well as thousands of deaths and injuries. Unicef said on 27 April that nearly 5000 people had died and 50 000 had been injured, although these figures are expected to rise. Thousands more have been left homeless and are sheltering in tents.’

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WHO calls for $5m for earthquake relief