Earthquake emergency in Myanmar: WHO responds

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its emergency response in Myanmar following the earthquake that struck Sagaing region, near Mandalay, on 28 March. WHO has delivered 100 tonnes of supplies, including medicines, medical equipment and tents, and is coordinating emergency medical teams to help the 12.9 million people in need of humanitarian health assistance. The supplies were flown into the country from WHO’s Global Logistics Hub in Dubai and distributed in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing and other affected areas. WHO has also deployed rapid response teams to provide emergency medical care, conduct assessments and support local health authorities in disaster response. WHO’s response aims to address urgent health needs, including trauma care, disease prevention and the restoration of health services in the earthquake-affected areas. With hospitals overwhelmed and health facilities damaged, WHO is working to expand service capacity and prevent outbreaks of water- and food-borne diseases. This initiative underlines WHO’s commitment to saving lives and strengthening health systems in crisis situations.