Violent clashes in Jonglei state in South Sudan
7 January 2012--The violent clashes in northern Jonglei state which began 23 December resulted in massive destruction of property and livelihoods, injuries and displacement of people. Health facilities were destroyed and subsequently closed. This led to a disruption of routine health services including immunization for eligible children, antenatal and delivery services for women, access to medicines for those with chronic illnesses, among others. The Health Cluster is to restore basic health services, scale up surgical capacity, implement the "Minimum Initial Service Package" and control and prevent communicable disease outbreaks in the affected communities in Jonglei state.
Health response to the earthquake in Haiti: January 2010
14 January 2012 -- A report on the Haiti earthquake and lessons to be learned for the next massive sudden-onset disaster was released by the Pan American Health Organisation, Regional Office of the World Health Organization. Every disaster brings new lessons of general application that we must learn before the next sudden-onset disaster strikes. The Haiti earthquake is no exception. This publication, for practical reasons, focuses on the first three months of the response. A similar study might be needed for the mid- and long-term recovery and reconstruction process that occurs after the first three months.
WHO pre-positions medical supplies to respond to cholera cases in Somalia
The Health and Water and Sanitation clusters are disseminating ‘Stamp out cholera! campaign’ radio messages to the areas most affected by cholera. This activity will continue over the next four months. WHO has pre-positioned medical supplies at health facilities to respond to cholera cases. Measles cases are still being reported in most regions of South Central Somalia. Medical intervention is still challenging as access is limited and most implementing partners have been banned from the area.
Heavy rainfall causes floods and landslides in Indonesia
On 13 January 2012, heavy rainfall caused flooding which affected 7 sub-districts in Lebak district, Banten province. The impact of the floods was intensified by the damage of Ciujung river’s dam. On 14 January the flood was followed by landslides in four sub-districts. There have been three deaths, one injury and 3131 people have been displaced. The district governments have declared a local emergency for two weeks. WHO, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, is monitoring the situation.
