Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Japanese Mediterranean, was talking throughout a press briefing on emergencies within the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon, but additionally in war-ravaged Sudan and past.
She additionally upheld the important function of UN Palestine refugee company UNRWA in Gaza, and appealed for peace.
“We urgently name for quick and sustained ceasefires within the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon and Sudan, and unhindered entry to ship lifesaving help,” she said.
Gaza battle escalation
Dr. Balkhy reported that since her final briefing “the battle we feared would escalate has intensified, resulting in a devastating deterioration within the Center East”.
Meals safety consultants have warned of imminent famine in North Gaza, the place 15 UN company chiefs have described the scenario there as “apocalyptic”, nevertheless “tragically, nothing has modified – and maybe has solely turn into worse,” she added.
“Amid this relentless violence, we’re working tirelessly to maintain hospitals operational and evacuate sufferers in want of specialized care,” she stated.
‘Actually no protected place in Gaza’
In actual fact, WHO and companions facilitated the biggest medical evacuation from Gaza because the battle started, transporting 90 sufferers and 139 companions to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Romania, with most going to the UAE.
“WHO has constantly advocated for medical evacuations all through the hostilities,” she stated, noting that the trauma and emotional toll of the battle are immeasurable.
Previously three weeks, WHO and companions have accomplished seven missions to North Gaza, together with 5 to Kamal Adwan Hospital. A number of extra missions had been deliberate however not facilitated.
Groups delivered important medical and surgical provides to maintain hospital operations, however on one event “heavy bombardment continued near the place our groups had been delivering help,” she stated, underlining that “there may be actually no protected place in Gaza.”
Polio marketing campaign success
Dr. Balkhy additionally highlighted the completion of the second spherical of an enormous marketing campaign to vaccinate younger youngsters in Gaza in opposition to polio, calling it a “super achievement”.
She stated the marketing campaign succeeded in opposition to unimaginable odds, with deliberate humanitarian pauses considerably curtailed, which speaks to the unbelievable braveness of polio groups, mother and father and caregivers.
UNRWA employees had been central to the latest polio vaccination drive in Gaza.
No substitute for UNRWA
She added that it was not potential to debate Gaza with out acknowledging the indispensable function of UNRWA in delivering important companies.
“Because the World Well being Group’s Director-Basic has emphasised, there isn’t a substitute for UNRWA,” she stated.
“I need to take this second to acknowledge the dedication of UNRWA employees — well being and humanitarian professionals working tirelessly for his or her communities underneath unimaginable circumstances. Our work, and the work of different humanitarian companions within the occupied Palestinian territory wouldn’t be potential with out them.”
‘Systemic disruption’ in Lebanon
In the meantime, the scenario in Lebanon is “equally distressing”, she stated, and WHO has verified 103 assaults on healthcare since 8 October 2023.
She reported that as of at the moment, 17 hospitals have both ceased operations or are solely partially functioning as a result of insecurity or injury. In areas of energetic hostilities, roughly 127 main healthcare centres and dispensaries, almost 60 per cent, have been compelled to shut.
“We can not – and should not – enable this to turn into a norm.”
She added that in preparation for the heavy burden of traumatic accidents, greater than 5,500 well being employees throughout greater than 112 hospitals have acquired coaching in mass casualty administration and psychological first help.
WHO has additionally delivered 124 metric tonnes of medical provides to Lebanon, together with a three-month inventory of blood financial institution provides and trauma kits for 45 precedence hospitals.
Ceasefires and safety
Ms. Balkhy reaffirmed WHO’s “key asks” for the area, together with the decision for quick ceasefires.
“We demand the safety of civilians, healthcare employees and well being services always, in all international locations going through humanitarian and well being emergencies,” she continued.
“And we ask that the world remembers each neighborhood in want — from Afghanistan to Syria, Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia and Sudan — and stands with us in our humanitarian mission to serve them.”
Sigrid Kaag UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, meets displaced folks in Gaza Metropolis.
Kaag visits displacement centre
In associated developments, the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, visited a significant UNRWA displacement centre in western Gaza Metropolis on Saturday.
The senior official met households who’ve been uprooted by the warfare and noticed their dwelling situations.
Ms. Kaag visited one of many medical clinics managed by UNRWA throughout the displacement centre, talking to youngsters and households looking for medical therapy.
She additionally visited two outstanding Christian homes of worship in Gaza Metropolis, the Orthodox Church and the Latin Monastery Church, assembly displaced households who’re sheltering there.
