2023-11-16-世界卫生组织-WHO_s_Operational_Update_on_Health_Emergencies_-_October_2023_19页_2mb

WHO Operational Update Summary on Health Emergencies

Core Content

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively responding to multiple health emergencies across the globe, focusing on conflict zones, natural disasters, and refugee crises. The following summary outlines the key activities, challenges, and appeals made by WHO in these contexts.

Main Points of WHO's Operations

1. Conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

• Humanitarian Impact: Since 7 October 2023, the conflict has resulted in 11,500 deaths and 29,000 injuries in Gaza, and 195 deaths and 2,625 injuries in the West Bank. Over 273 attacks on health facilities have been reported.
• WHO Response:
  • Medical Supplies: WHO has shipped over 252 pallets of health supplies via Rafah, supporting seven hospitals and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
  • Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs): Two EMTs have been deployed to support Al-Shifa, Al-Aqsa, and Al-Najjar hospitals to expand emergency departments and open Green Zones.
  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): WHO is prioritizing mental health support, having trained 10 psychologists for emergency MHPSS teams and another 10 for a mental health hotline.
  • Preparedness: WHO is pre-positioning critical medical supplies in Lebanon and supporting the activation of the public health emergency operations centre.
• Appeals: WHO calls for an immediate ceasefire, safe access to health facilities, and the release of all hostages.

2. Armenia Refugee Response

• Refugee Situation: Over 101,800 people displaced from Karabakh into Armenia, with a major explosion on 25 September 2023 killing 170 and injuring over 200 with severe burns.
• WHO Actions:
  • Emergency Medical Teams: Four EMTs have been deployed, including from Israel, Italy, the UK, and the US.
  • Medical Evacuations: 19 patients have been evacuated to countries like Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, and the US.
  • Healthcare Capacity Building: WHO trained 40 biomedical students on risk communication and infectious diseases for the nationwide immunization campaign.
  • Mental Health Support: WHO is providing tailored mental health services to burn patients and their families.
  • Logistics and Supplies: WHO has delivered 10 burn modules and five non-communicable diseases kits, along with over 1,672 kg of emergency supplies.

3. Earthquake Response in Herat, Afghanistan

• Impact: Three major earthquakes on 7, 11, and 15 October 2023 affected 114,000 people, resulting in 1,482 deaths and 2,100 injuries. 3,330 households were destroyed.
• WHO Appeal: $7.9 million is needed for the next six months to support affected communities.
• WHO Actions:
  • Health Cluster Coordination: 19 partners are mobilized to provide health services.
  • Primary Health Care: 33 health teams have been deployed to 29 villages, with over 4,500 consultations recorded.
  • Mental Health Services: 58 health professionals have been trained, including seven female doctors and nurses.
  • Surveillance and Risk Communication: WHO is enhancing disease surveillance and conducting RCCE activities in affected villages.
  • Logistics Support: Over 30 metric tonnes of medical supplies and 100 tents have been deployed to Herat Regional Hospital and other facilities.

4. EWAR Training in the Czech Republic

• Training Overview: WHO conducted a face-to-face training on Early Warning, Alert and Response (EWAR) in the Czech Republic from 28–31 August 2023.
• Participants: 25 public health officers from the Ministry of Health and Regional Public Health Authorities.
• Focus: Enhancing skills in early detection, rapid risk assessment, and public health response.
• Tools Used: WHO EWAR Operational Guide, Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources, and the EWAR in a Box tool.
• Outcome: Participants gained hands-on experience and improved knowledge in EWAR methodologies.
• Support: The workshop was funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

5. HeRAMS in Ukraine

• System Overview: The Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) is deployed in Ukraine to monitor health system functionality and resource availability.
• Data Collection: As of May 2023, data was collected from 2,333 healthcare facilities across Ukraine, excluding areas under Russian military control.
• Key Findings: Primary health care services are widely available, but challenges persist due to infrastructure damage and access barriers.
• Purpose: HeRAMS supports emergency responses and helps identify gaps in health services for better planning and resource allocation.

Key Information and Appeals

• Funding Needs: WHO has appealed for $110 million to support the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza, and $30 million for readiness in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
• Global Emergency Response: In 2023, WHO's Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) has released $74.9 million to support 19 health emergencies, including the Türkiye/Syria earthquakes and the Karabakh refugee crisis.
• Standby Partners: 6 Standby Partners are currently deployed, with 34 experts supporting WHO's operations in various emergencies.
• Infodemic Management: WHO has analyzed 2.1 million online data points to manage health misinformation and support Member States.

Conclusion

WHO continues to prioritize the protection of health care, the delivery of essential medical services, and the mental well-being of affected populations in conflict and disaster scenarios. The organization is working closely with local and international partners to ensure rapid, coordinated, and sustainable responses to these complex emergencies.