Responding to a request by the Chinese government for medical support in wake of the massive 12 May earthquake which struck the south-west of China, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) is sending urgently needed supplies and support.
“WHO will strengthen China’s power to reduce the risks of epidemic outbreaks and to treat any cases of communicable diseases that appear,” said Eric Laroche, Assistant Director-General for WHO’s Health Action in Crises cluster on Monday.
“Damaged health facilities must start treating survivors as quickly as possible for injuries, potential diarrhoeal diseases and acute respiratory infections and psychosocial trauma.”
The agency has received $1.3 million out of the $8 million in relief grants contributed by the UN through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
The funds will be used for purchasing and distributing surgical supplies and medicines to treat hundreds of thousands of people; preventing and controlling epidemics and communicable diseases; and restoring health and medical facilities through provision of essential medicines and supplies for primary healthcare and immunization services.
Some UN Volunteers (UNV) are en route to Sichuan province to contribute to the medical relief effort in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Liu Hai and Gao Wei, originally serving with the Beijing Youth League on a UNV and UN Development Programme (UNDP) for the upcoming Beijing Olympics were selected to participate in a relief mission. Ms. Liu will have a communications role while Mr. Gao will work in equipment supply.
Meanwhile, Liu Lei was the only UNV volunteer serving in the area, working on a wetland biodiversity conservation project for UNDP’s Global Environment Facility (UNDP-GEF), when it was hit by the tremors, and is now serving as a volunteer field interpreter for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
In his diary tracking his efforts in the Mian Yang area, he wrote that “guaranteeing homeless people's health is one of the most important aspects of the aid operation, as well as providing other basic support.”
On Saturday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Yingxiu, one of the hardest-hit towns, pledging the United Nations’ support for the East Asian nation and expressing his condolences to the Chinese people.
The devastating magnitude 8.0 tremors had their epicentre in Sichuan province and claimed over 65,000 lives, according to state media reports.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon visits Chinese region devastated by massive earthquake
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Saturday visited one of the towns in China’s Sichuan province hit hardest by the recent earthquake, pledging the United Nations’ support for the East Asian nation and expressing his condolences to the Chinese people.
Mr. Ban told reporters in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, after stopping in the town of Yingxiu: “My heart is filled with great sadness by what has happened to the Chinese people. It is a great natural tragedy.”
"At the same time I’m moved by such strong leadership demonstrated by the Chinese Government leaders, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and all the people who have shown such a great spirit of self-help and cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster.”
During his four-hour visit to China, Mr. Ban Ki-moon met with the Premier in Yingxiu, near the epicenter of the 12 May earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale which, according to state media reports, has claimed more than 60,000 lives.
“Natural disasters can come to any people, any country. What is important is your determined will to overcome,” he noted. “The United Nations has taken initial measures to donate the necessary funds; we have sent rescue experts and officers.”
Meanwhile, China’s earthquake zone has been warned to prepare for heavy rains which could slow down further relief efforts.
There are concerns that construction of temporary shelters for five million homeless could be delayed, while water levels in dams and lakes remain high.
Upon his return to New York, Mr. Ban said that he will consult with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Member States on what further support the world body can make available.
He also underscored the importance of a two-track approach that addressed both shorter-term relief and longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
In a statement earlier this week, the Secretary-General announced that the UN is contributing $8 million in relief grants from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).
He said that the funds will be used by a variety of UN agencies funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.
“The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster,” the statement added.
Prior to his visit to China, Mr. Ban saw first-hand the damage left in the wake of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and met with the nation's top officials.
Sunday he will return to Yangon to attend an international pledging conference, which is co-sponsored by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to raise funds for the disaster in Myanmar.
Mr. Ban told reporters in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, after stopping in the town of Yingxiu: “My heart is filled with great sadness by what has happened to the Chinese people. It is a great natural tragedy.”
"At the same time I’m moved by such strong leadership demonstrated by the Chinese Government leaders, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and all the people who have shown such a great spirit of self-help and cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster.”
During his four-hour visit to China, Mr. Ban Ki-moon met with the Premier in Yingxiu, near the epicenter of the 12 May earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale which, according to state media reports, has claimed more than 60,000 lives.
“Natural disasters can come to any people, any country. What is important is your determined will to overcome,” he noted. “The United Nations has taken initial measures to donate the necessary funds; we have sent rescue experts and officers.”
Meanwhile, China’s earthquake zone has been warned to prepare for heavy rains which could slow down further relief efforts.
There are concerns that construction of temporary shelters for five million homeless could be delayed, while water levels in dams and lakes remain high.
Upon his return to New York, Mr. Ban said that he will consult with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Member States on what further support the world body can make available.
He also underscored the importance of a two-track approach that addressed both shorter-term relief and longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
In a statement earlier this week, the Secretary-General announced that the UN is contributing $8 million in relief grants from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).
He said that the funds will be used by a variety of UN agencies funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.
“The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster,” the statement added.
Prior to his visit to China, Mr. Ban saw first-hand the damage left in the wake of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and met with the nation's top officials.
Sunday he will return to Yangon to attend an international pledging conference, which is co-sponsored by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to raise funds for the disaster in Myanmar.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
More UN supplies pour in to quake-affected areas of China
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is distributing hundreds of tents and quilts to provide emergency shelter for some of the victims of last week’s devastating earthquake in China’s Sichuan province, according to a statement Friday of the UN.
State media in China report that the number of dead and missing as a result of the 12 May quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has climbed to more than 80,000, with about 280,000 others injured and nearly 5.5 million homeless.
The UN-agencies UNDP, WFP, WHO, UNFPA are delivering tents, food, medical supplies, hospital equipment and other emergency supplies.
UNDP
The first batch of 358 large tents and 1,500 quilts is due to arrive in quake-affected areas tonight, the agency reported, and follows the clothing, food, drinking water and medicines that it has already provided.
UNDP said the emergency supplies are part of the $2 million assigned to the agency out of the $8 million in relief grants contributed by the UN through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the grant, saying it will be used by a variety of UN agencies, funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.
“The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Chinese Government in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster,” the statement added.
The number of dead and missing as a result of the 12 May quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has climbed to more than 80,000, with about 280,000 others injured and nearly 5.5 million homeless.
WFP
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is buying a second round of relief supplies, including rice, wheat flour and cooking oil, and a shipment comprising 473 tons is expected to arrive in Sichuan by the end of the week.
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is rushing additional medical supplies so that it can treat as many as 130,000 people. It is also sending experts to work with the Chinese Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure.
UNFPA
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is also mobilizing reproductive health supplies, including clean delivery kits and hospital equipment required for Caesarean deliveries and blood transfusions.
State media in China report that the number of dead and missing as a result of the 12 May quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has climbed to more than 80,000, with about 280,000 others injured and nearly 5.5 million homeless.
The UN-agencies UNDP, WFP, WHO, UNFPA are delivering tents, food, medical supplies, hospital equipment and other emergency supplies.
UNDP
The first batch of 358 large tents and 1,500 quilts is due to arrive in quake-affected areas tonight, the agency reported, and follows the clothing, food, drinking water and medicines that it has already provided.
UNDP said the emergency supplies are part of the $2 million assigned to the agency out of the $8 million in relief grants contributed by the UN through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the grant, saying it will be used by a variety of UN agencies, funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.
“The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Chinese Government in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster,” the statement added.
The number of dead and missing as a result of the 12 May quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has climbed to more than 80,000, with about 280,000 others injured and nearly 5.5 million homeless.
WFP
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is buying a second round of relief supplies, including rice, wheat flour and cooking oil, and a shipment comprising 473 tons is expected to arrive in Sichuan by the end of the week.
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is rushing additional medical supplies so that it can treat as many as 130,000 people. It is also sending experts to work with the Chinese Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure.
UNFPA
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is also mobilizing reproductive health supplies, including clean delivery kits and hospital equipment required for Caesarean deliveries and blood transfusions.
Friday, May 23, 2008
UN supplies medical kits and telecoms equipment for earthquake relief in China
Emergency health kits capable of providing assistance to 30,000 people for up to one month have been rushed into the quake-affected areas of Sichuan province in China by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), according to a statement of the WHO.
State media report that over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the massive temblor on 12 May, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale.
Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5 million people have been left homeless.
State media report that over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the massive temblor on 12 May, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5million people have been left homeless.
Relief supplies
The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) did deploy one hundred satellite terminals to provide accurate coordination of relief and rescue operations, as UN aid agencies continue their humanitarian efforts.
WHO is sending an expert team to collaborate with the Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure, while about 5,000 chlorine disinfection tablets, drinking-water treatment units and mobile toilets are being supplied to control the outbreak and spread of communicable diseases such as diarrhoea.
In a statement issued today, WHO said that it promotes the construction of hospitals and health facilities that can survive the impact of natural disasters, including high-intensity earthquakes. In most cases a very small increase in construction costs is sufficient to enable health facilities to withstand such disasters.
ITU said the 100 mobile satellite terminals they are supplying are easily transported by road and air and can be used by both humanitarian workers and quake victims.
“I would like to assure the Government that ITU is ready to provide expertise in carrying out telecommunication network damage assessments aimed at paving the way for the rehabilitation of the damaged telecommunications structure," said Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau.
The hand-held Thuraya satellite phones use both satellite and GSM networks and can provide accurate GPS coordinates to support relief and rescue efforts.
The UN has contributed $8 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) the Chinese Government, and for use by the world body's agencies working on the ground.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR is supplying tents and emergency shelter, while the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is providing relief food supplies of rice, wheat flour and cooking oil.
Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund UNICEF is taking part in a mission organized by the Government to provide immediate psycho-social assistance for children suffering from emotional trauma following the tremors, and is also providing tents, blankets and school kits.
The UN Development Programme UNDP has allocated $100,000 for emergency relief activities, part of which will be put towards coordinating the aid response.
State media report that over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the massive temblor on 12 May, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale.
Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5 million people have been left homeless.
State media report that over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the massive temblor on 12 May, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5million people have been left homeless.
Relief supplies
The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) did deploy one hundred satellite terminals to provide accurate coordination of relief and rescue operations, as UN aid agencies continue their humanitarian efforts.
WHO is sending an expert team to collaborate with the Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure, while about 5,000 chlorine disinfection tablets, drinking-water treatment units and mobile toilets are being supplied to control the outbreak and spread of communicable diseases such as diarrhoea.
In a statement issued today, WHO said that it promotes the construction of hospitals and health facilities that can survive the impact of natural disasters, including high-intensity earthquakes. In most cases a very small increase in construction costs is sufficient to enable health facilities to withstand such disasters.
ITU said the 100 mobile satellite terminals they are supplying are easily transported by road and air and can be used by both humanitarian workers and quake victims.
“I would like to assure the Government that ITU is ready to provide expertise in carrying out telecommunication network damage assessments aimed at paving the way for the rehabilitation of the damaged telecommunications structure," said Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau.
The hand-held Thuraya satellite phones use both satellite and GSM networks and can provide accurate GPS coordinates to support relief and rescue efforts.
The UN has contributed $8 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) the Chinese Government, and for use by the world body's agencies working on the ground.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR is supplying tents and emergency shelter, while the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is providing relief food supplies of rice, wheat flour and cooking oil.
Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund UNICEF is taking part in a mission organized by the Government to provide immediate psycho-social assistance for children suffering from emotional trauma following the tremors, and is also providing tents, blankets and school kits.
The UN Development Programme UNDP has allocated $100,000 for emergency relief activities, part of which will be put towards coordinating the aid response.
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