As violence continues to affect the physical and mental health of adults and children in the Balkans, there has so far been no evidence of infectious disease outbreaks associated with the massive movement of refugees in recent weeks in Kosovo and neighbouring countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today. While there is little information available on the health status of people still in Kosovo, it is likely that the refugees now coming out are in a worse condition than those who fled earlier and may require increased attention and care, WHO warned.

There has been one confirmed case and other possible cases of measles. WHO, in conjunction with UNICEF and all health-implementing partners, is therefore giving top priority to immunizing all children under five in the refugee population. Further routine immunization activities will continue in the region when the situation stabilizes.

Given the current health situation, WHO Director-General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland called on health workers to remain neutral. "During the years of conflict in the Balkans, the neutrality and the professional integrity of health and medical professionals have not always been respected. Health workers must be allowed to practice without discriminating or being discriminated against, in accordance with medical ethics and human rights principles."

On 6 April, as part of the United Nations' Donor Alert for Urgent Needs Related to the Kosovo Crisis, WHO asked for US$2.57 million to meet emergency health needs over the next three months. WHO's partners who have already pledged cash or goods worth 70% of this amount are Italy, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

While there is so far no evidence of widespread infectious disease outbreaks, local communities and relief workers alike must remain vigilant in the face of the ever-present potential, WHO warned. Diseases such as polio, typhoid and cholera were endemic in this part of Europe in the past. The risk from these diseases is higher in a context of population displacement and in a situation where local health care and public health services have to cope with excess demand.

Moreover, many refugees are suffering acute problems because treatment they had been receiving for chronic and/or non-communicable diseases and conditions has now been suddenly interrupted. This includes patients who were being treated for cancer and mental health problems in their homelands.

For further information, journalists can contact Gregory Hartl, Office of Press and Public Relations, WHO, Geneva. Telephone (41 22) 791 44 58. Fax (41 22) 791 48 58. E-Mail: hartlg@who.int