WHO: Nearly 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Earthquake in Myanmar
• Humanitarian Aid
• Ceasefire violations
• Health infrastructure damage
• Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs)
• Funding shortages for aid
• Protracted emergency
• WHO's response
• International support

Earthquake Aftermath and Impact:

• A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, resulting in over 3,300 confirmed deaths and hundreds missing.
• Sagine, one of the worst-affected cities, faces severe shortages of water, overwhelmed hospitals, unsafe buildings due to structural damage, lack of medicines and health workers, and closed markets.
• In Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city near the epicenter, thousands are sheltering in tents, and a lack of clean water poses a significant health risk, raising concerns about potential cholera outbreaks due to improper waste management.
• 86% of hospitals and health facilities are partially or completely non-functional.

Ceasefire and Ongoing Conflict:

• While the military and some armed resistance groups declared ceasefires, reports indicate continued attacks by the military (Huta), hindering disaster relief efforts.
• The UN reported at least 53 attacks by the military, including airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire, even after the announced ceasefire. At least 14 attacks were reported after the ceasefire announcement.

Humanitarian Response and Challenges:

• The UN has called for a halt to fighting to facilitate aid distribution.
• The WHO has deployed nearly 100 tons of relief supplies, focusing on trauma and surgical care, and is bringing more medicines.
• Temporary hospitals are being set up under challenging conditions (40°C heat).
• Roads have been damaged or destroyed, making it difficult for people to reach hospitals.
• International support is crucial for the first 2-3 weeks after the earthquake to restore the functionality of health facilities.

Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs):

• The government of the Philippines established an EMT in response to the appeal for international support.
• EMTs are crucial for delivering healthcare to people who cannot access it due to distance, poverty, or damaged infrastructure.
• EMTs bring medical supplies and expertise.

Funding Crisis:

• International aid funding has decreased in recent months, with some countries withdrawing from multilateral organizations and prioritizing military spending.
• Myanmar is one of the least funded protracted emergencies.
• The WHO is using its Central Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to deploy initial relief supplies.
• Limited resources are available despite the growing needs, with almost 20 million people in Myanmar needing humanitarian assistance, and 13 million needing essential healthcare even before the earthquake.
• The cost of medicines in Myanmar is extremely high.

WHO Perspective (Ellen Vuolo):

• Ellen Vuolo, Deputy Head of the WHO's Myanmar office, emphasized the dire situation with damaged health infrastructure and the need for immediate relief.
• She highlighted the importance of EMTs in providing essential care.
• Vuolo stressed the critical need for continued international support, including funding and expertise, to address the long-term recovery and restoration of health services.

Conclusion:

The earthquake in Myanmar has created a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and pre-existing vulnerabilities. While initial relief efforts are underway, significant challenges remain, including damaged infrastructure, funding shortages, and continued military actions. Sustained international support, including financial aid, medical supplies, and the deployment of EMTs, is crucial for addressing the immediate needs and supporting the long-term recovery of the affected population. The WHO emphasizes the need to restore the functionality of health facilities and address the underlying issues of poverty and a fragile health system.