PMNCH Partners respond to crises in Japan and Libya
24 MARCH 2011 - With emergency humanitarian situations in both Libya and Japan, PMNCH Partners have reached out, offering medical and humanitarian support as well as expertise in maternal, newborn and child health.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation in Japan and providing updates about radiation and food safety concerns. Through its partners, WHO is consulting with a wide range of technical experts who are assisting in the scientific evaluation of immediate and longer-term health implications. WHO has compiled nine FAQ sheets to address nuclear concerns in Japan, including advice about personal protective measures for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Global Health Workforce Alliance
The Alliance has appealed to all its members and partners to be on standby to provide support to the affected populations in Japan, if required. The Alliance also called upon governments and partners to remember the pivotal role played by health workers in the delivery of health care, especially during and after emergencies.
UNICEF
UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake issued a statement conveying the organization’s deep concern and support for the Japanese people as they cope with the havoc wreaked by the recent tsunami and earthquake.
“As in all emergencies of such devastating magnitude, children are the most vulnerable,” he said. “Working in close cooperation with the Japan Committee for UNICEF, we have offered our support to protect the children affected by this catastrophe and to provide critical services in the days ahead.”
Meanwhile, the Tunisian Ministry of Health launched a UNICEF-supported campaign to vaccinate children living in the largest temporary refugee camp on the Tunisia-Libya border.
The three-day campaign — focusing on immunizing children against polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus and other diseases — targeted those who have fled the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Libya.
Save the Children
Save the Children has launched an appeal to help families affected by the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami and has a team on the ground in Japan responding to the needs of children.
Save the Children also has an emergency response team in eastern Libya assessing the needs of the population in opposition controlled areas, as well as emergency specialists on the Tunisian and Egyptian borders monitoring the needs of refugees as they cross.