WHO has deployed six technical staff to support the flood response activities in Attapeu Province. Dr Reiko Tsuyuoka led the response as WHO Incident Manager for coordination. The main tasks is to ensure provision of health services, setting up the incident management structure and early warning system for disease surveillance, registration for International Emergency Medical Teams and people in shelters, to improve the response activities.
Incident Management Team
Dr Phetdavanh Leuangvilay working with MOH on medical team mapping in the shelter to improve coordination and service provision
Dr Reiko Tsuyuoka reviewing the registration form for International Emergency Medical Team with the Lao doctor at Sanamxay District Hospital
International Emergency Medical Team
WHO staff coordinating with the Korean medical team staff to ensure that International Emergency Medical staff is registered with MOH
Surveillance
Dr Manilay Phengxay working with local health staff to review the disease reporting process
WHO with MOH staff working on field assessment for the response plan, other UN agencies in the team includes staff from UNFPA, IOM and UNICEF
Dr Sonesavanh Phimmasine worked with eight Field Epidemiology Training (FET) graduates deployed to set up the early warning system for outbreak response in Attapeu Province
Mental Health
Psychosocial support for mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder was requested by the Ministry. WHO mental health expert Martin Vandendyck worked with Lao medical doctors and WHO staff in the field.
WHO mental health expert Martin Vandendyck joined student volunteers to engage young children living in the shelters
Dr Thippasone Vixaysouk, WHO staff with a trained clinician from the Ministry of Health counselling a pregnant mother at the Sanamxay Secondary School shelter
Mental health team interviewing medical staff at Sanamxay kindergarten shelter
To date, about 3000 people have access health services at healthcare facilities and temporary shelters. The information collected by WHO staff from the field is used for decision making at the Emergency Operation Centre on a daily basis.
