WHO Focuses on Preventing Disease Outbreaks After Devastating Libya Floods
Following catastrophic floods in eastern Libya, the World Health Organization (WHO) shifts its focus to disease prevention and clean water access. Learn about the urgent health concerns and priorities in the region
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In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that swept through eastern Libya, the World Health Organization (WHO) has shifted its focus towards disease detection and outbreak prevention, according to Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the global health agency.
Addressing the critical health concerns and priorities in the affected region, Harris emphasized the immediate need for access to clean water as the foremost concern. The devastating floods, triggered by Storm Daniel on September 10, have taken a severe toll on Libya, resulting in nearly 4,000 fatalities and displacing over 40,000 people, as reported by the United Nations.
The destructive impact of the storm extended to multiple cities, including Benghazi, Bayda, Al Marj, and Soussa, resulting in widespread damage to infrastructure and a substantial loss of life. However, the city of Derna bore the brunt of the deadly deluge, with burst dams leading to the destruction of homes and the disappearance of over 8,000 individuals.
Harris stressed the critical importance of reinforcing early warning and surveillance systems to proactively mitigate the risk of water and foodborne disease outbreaks in the aftermath of the floods. The post-flood conditions can create an environment conducive to the spread of infectious diseases, making vigilant monitoring and prevention imperative.
Furthermore, the WHO has identified vaccination services as a top priority. Harris emphasized the urgent need to administer vaccines, particularly to children, to shield them from diseases like measles and diphtheria, which pose severe threats, especially in the challenging circumstances following the disaster.
Recognizing the psychological toll exacted by the catastrophe, Harris underscored the equal significance of mental health support. WHO aims to provide mental health first aid to individuals in crisis situations, assisting them in the process of psychological recovery.
Harris drew attention to the strained state of healthcare facilities in the region, noting that even before the disaster, there were substantial humanitarian needs. Half of the hospitals were operating below capacity due to shortages of medical supplies and healthcare personnel.
With the recent floods exacerbating the healthcare needs, many hospitals have been rendered non-functional. In response, field hospitals are being established, and emergency medical teams are being deployed to provide care as close to affected communities as possible.
Harris acknowledged the challenges in assessing casualties and missing persons during such emergencies and revealed that officials from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have been alerted to identify the deceased individuals and ensure their dignified burial.
In a glimmer of hope, Harris mentioned that 450 people have been rescued by national and international teams in recent days, and efforts to locate the missing individuals continue tirelessly.
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