WHO calls for early reconstruction of health systems in Nepal

The WHO today called for early reconstruction of healthcare systems in Nepal, saying health of quake survivors are at risk without regular services which nearly collapsed following the two powerful quakes.
"We need to urgently restore regular health services for the millions of affected people - for the pregnant women, newborns, children, the aged, people with diseases such as TB, heart ailments, diabetes etc.
"Without critical services their health could be at serious risk," Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, said here today at the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction 2015.
Having lost their homes to the earthquake, displaced populations continue to live in temporary shelters with sub-optimal hygiene, sanitation and water conditions and thousands remain vulnerable to diseases, she added.

WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and Population on the health sector response, which nearly collapsed following the two powerful quakes in Nepal on April 25 and May 12, that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 23,000.
In addition to strengthening surveillance and disease prevention initiatives, one of WHO's key interventions for the ongoing monsoon season is the medical camp kits (MCKs), a set of water proof tents.

"The MCKs will provide the critical buffer during which the recovery of health system must proceed," said Singh.
With 80 per cent of health facilities in the 14 most affected districts damaged, the task of reconstruction is huge but equally important.

The Regional Director said long-term development and the scaling up of risk reduction and preparedness will be key features of WHO's contribution in the recovery and reconstruction phase.