WHO pre-positions medical supplies to respond to cholera cases in Somalia
3 February - Starting 5 February, more than 5000 vaccinators will be trained to carry out the first round of Child Health Days activities in Somaliland (planned for 19-23 February). During this first round a total of 413 205 children under 5 years of age and 475 186 women of childbearing age will be targeted with the usual Child Health Days package.
Health facilities damaged or closed in Jonglei state South Sudan
4 February 2012--Health facilities in the areas of Jonglei state reporting conflict have either been closed or destroyed, greatly impacting on the provision of basic services for the affected community. This has been compounded by the exodus of the health workers who fled the conflict. Reports of poor sanitation in areas of IDP and refugee settlement continue to pose a public health risk for potential outbreaks.
Health response to the earthquake in Haiti: January 2010
14 January 2012 -- A report on the Haiti earthquake and lessons to be learned for the next massive sudden-onset disaster was released by the Pan American Health Organisation, Regional Office of the World Health Organization. Every disaster brings new lessons of general application that we must learn before the next sudden-onset disaster strikes. The Haiti earthquake is no exception. This publication, for practical reasons, focuses on the first three months of the response. A similar study might be needed for the mid- and long-term recovery and reconstruction process that occurs after the first three months.
Heavy rainfall causes floods and landslides in Indonesia
On 13 January 2012, heavy rainfall caused flooding which affected 7 sub-districts in Lebak district, Banten province. The impact of the floods was intensified by the damage of Ciujung river’s dam. On 14 January the flood was followed by landslides in four sub-districts. There have been three deaths, one injury and 3131 people have been displaced. The district governments have declared a local emergency for two weeks. WHO, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, is monitoring the situation.
