As the country braced for typhoon Ruby, World Health Organization prepositioned with the Department of Health medical supplies and equipment including satellite phones for an immediate response.
“Although the typhoon was weaker than typhoon Haiyan, it has still impacted families and health systems across the several regions. With the flooding, damaged health facilities, and multiple evacuation centers, there are a number of public health risks which will need to be addressed over the coming weeks." said the WHO Country Representative in the Philippines Dr Julie Hall.
WHO has supported the Department of Health in re-activating SPEED—a mobile-based disease monitoring and reporting system—in affected areas. Data from SPEED indicate people are currently seeking medical help mostly for acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and infected wounds at present.
WHO Head of Emergency Health Action in the Philippines Dr Megan Counahan explains, “Surveillance for early detection of diseases is the key to limiting their spread. In this particular emergency we need to be vigilant about diarrhoeal disease. Flooding increases the risk of water borne diseases. Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene are going to be critical over the coming weeks.”
The WHO will continue to work and support the DOH in assessing public health risks; coordinating with all sectors to ensure that the delivery of health services, disease surveillance and response, as well as the health issues facing mobile and displaced
populations are supported.