Myanmar
Compared to other affected nations in the Region, the tsunami had mildly impacted Myanmar. Along the country's southern coast approximately 5,000 people were affected with 61 killed and 43 injured. Damage to the health infrastructure was minimal.
The initial emergency needs in Myanmar were largely met. The primary concern was the availability of safe drinking water. Focus was placed on rebuilding damaged infrastructure requiring mid- to long-term support and not immediate action. Improving disease surveillance was another priority.
WHO’s response was closely coordinated with the UN Disaster Preparedness and Management Group, and with international NGOs, through a Red Cross-led Tsunami liaison group.
WHO's response focused on:
Disease surveillance
WHO focused on reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and morbidity by supporting disease surveillance. No outbreaks nor any major health emergency have been reported in the country.
Coordination
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, WHO worked to facilitate a coordinated health response between NGO's and international agencies. A health needs assessment was refined, and the early recovery and rehabilitation of the health structure was facilitated.
Logistics
WHO provided the Ministry of Health with 5 New Emergency Health Kits (covering the basic medical of 50,000 people for three months) and 22,000 malaria prevention kits.
WHO technical guidelines for responding to health risks in emergencies were provided to the Ministry of Health.