Côte d’Ivoire
Following the dumping of petroleum waste in Abidjan on 19 August, eight people have died and at least 62 000 sought medical assistance. Fear and the severity of the symptoms have caused anxiety among the population and the increasing number of people seeking medical assistance has overwhelmed the capacities of the emergency services in hospitals and health centres. Shortages of drugs and medical supplies were reported countrywide. HAC is supporting the Department for the Protection of Human Environment, the WHO Country Office in Abidjan, the national authorities, and partners in responding to this crisis.