WHO calls for urgent funding for Myanmar

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 30 assessed the earthquake in Myanmar as a state of emergency at the highest level, and called for urgent funding of 8 million USD to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks in Myanmar in the next 30 days.

Search and rescue workers work in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 30, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The WHO said the large number of trauma victims and injuries put them at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar could increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

In its emergency funding appeal, WHO stated: "WHO has classified this crisis as a Level 3 emergency - the highest level under the organization's Emergency Response Framework."

According to WHO, in Myanmar, initial assessments indicate a high number of casualties and injuries, with an urgent need for emergency care. Electricity and water supplies remain disrupted, reducing access to health services and increasing the risk of outbreaks of water-borne and food-borne diseases. Injuries, including fractures and open wounds, are at high risk of infection and complications due to limited surgical capacity and inadequate infection control.

WHO said $8 million is needed to meet urgent health needs over the next 30 days to save lives, prevent disease outbreaks, and stabilize and restore essential health services. Without immediate funding, many lives will be at risk and the fragile health system could collapse. The displacement of people into crowded shelters, combined with severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, has dramatically increased the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially cholera and dengue fever, the organization said.

The WHO also announced that the first shipment of emergency kits to treat severe injuries and fractures, along with multi-purpose tents, had arrived at the 1,000-bed hospital in the capital Naypyitaw, after being transported from an emergency stockpile in Yangon. Similar supplies are now on their way north to Mandalay General Hospital.

The earthquake has so far killed more than 1,700 people, injured about 3,400, and left about 300 missing in Myanmar. According to a forecast model by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the death toll in Myanmar could even exceed 10,000 and the property damage could exceed the country’s annual economic output.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/who-keu-goi-tai-tro-khan-cap-cho-myanmar-209235.html