After The Strikes Earthquake, WHO Responds To Damage To Health Facilities In Myanmar

JAKARTA The big earthquake that rocked central Myanmar some time ago left an extraordinary impact, not only claimed thousands of lives, but also destroyed health facilities that had fallen. After the natural disaster, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed the critical situation faced by the country's health system.

An earthquake measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale that occurred on two consecutive days had claimed more than 2,148 lives and injured more than 3,892 people. In a quick response, WHO immediately launched an emergency effort to help disaster-affected communities. WHO sends various medical aid to the most affected areas, such as Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and surrounding areas.

However, the situation faced by health facilities in Myanmar is far from normal. Most of the hospitals that had struggled to survive before the earthquake are now facing greater difficulties, with many facilities severely damaged by the earthquake.

"The people of Myanmar are suffering inconceivable suffering. This earthquake only exacerbates the suffering of communities that have struggled with evacuation, fragile health systems, and limited access to basic services," said Dr. Thushara Fernando, WHO Representative to Myanmar in a statement, quoted by VOI from the WHO website on Wednesday, March 2.

After the earthquake, WHO noted that three hospitals had been completely destroyed and 22 others were seriously damaged. This further worsened the situation as access to health services became very limited, especially in remote areas that were difficult to reach due to damaged roads and bridges. This situation complicates medical treatment efforts for thousands of injured victims, who require intensive and urgent trauma care.

Although many health facilities are damaged, WHO continues to move quickly to provide assistance. Hospitals in a state of emergency have received essential medical equipment from WHO, including medical equipment, surgical equipment, and multipurpose tents used to expand the capacity of the treatment room.

Even though the aid has arrived, the existing needs are still very large. There are shortcomings in terms of anesthesia, blood transfusion equipment, and support for mental health that are urgently needed by victims and medical personnel.

In addition, hampered sanitation and hygiene services increase the risk of disease outbreaks, especiallycarry and acute diarrhea that have begun to emerge in some affected areas. WHO also reports that clean water and access to sanitation facilities are very limited in many areas affected by the earthquake.

"Clean water services, sanitation, and hygiene disrupted can increase the threat of disease, especiallycarry and acute diarrhea, which already exist in some affected areas," WHO said in its latest report.

According to WHO, this situation is a multiple crisis. Prior to the earthquake, people in Myanmar had struggled with the impact of a prolonged conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the country. With a fragile health system, this natural disaster has worsened Myanmar's condition.

"We are acting with urgency to provide the support they need now, given that the health system is already weak and the infrastructure is collapsing," added Dr. Fernando.

WHO has classified this situation as a Class 3 emergency, which means it is the highest emergency response. In this situation, WHO mobilizes support from around the world to deal with existing issues, including sending more medical equipment, establishing field hospitals, and preparing a Global Emergency Medical Team (EMT) that can be directly deployed to the field.

Despite the enormous challenges, WHO is committed to continuing to provide support to the people of Myanmar. Over the next 30 days, WHO's priorities will include trauma and surgery treatment through the mobile medical team, strengthening disease surveillance to prevent the outbreak, restoring health care for mothers and children, and chronic illness.

"This is a race against time, not just to save lives today, but to protect a fragile health system from collapsing again the next day." said Dr. Fernando.

WHO promises to continue to work hard, both in the face of this crisis and in ensuring the recovery and resilience of the people of Myanmar in the future.