HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES RESPOND TO HEALTH NEEDS OF BLAST VICTIMS IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES RESPOND TO HEALTH NEEDS OF BLAST VICTIMS

IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

New York, 29 April (OCHA) -- United Nations humanitarian agencies are stepping up their efforts to meet the health needs of people affected by a massive blast in Ryongchon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, last week.

International agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Federation of the Red Cross and the non-governmental organization Caritas International are providing medical assistance and food to hospitals in the Ryongchon area.  While noting overall medical treatment is being provided at a reasonable level, WHO reports that medical supplies such as eye treatments, topical creams, compresses for burns, and certain antibiotics remain in short supply.

On 27 April a WHO team visited four hospitals, where an estimated two thirds of the injured are children.  Patients suffer mainly from injuries to the face and head, burns and bruises.  Roughly 15 per cent of patients remain in critical condition, while another 25 per cent have suffered minor injuries and could be discharged within a week.  The UNICEF has delivered some 500 kilograms of therapeutic milk to Sinuiju hospital for patients unable to eat solid food.

The high number of eye injuries is presenting a technical challenge as equipment for treating them is also lacking.  The WHO will renew its offer of technical assistance in treating eye injuries to the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The WHO has recommended that normal health services be restored in Ryongchon as soon as possible, with emphasis placed on rebuilding the county hospital and health clinic.  Support for health services will be needed well after the emergency phase of the response ends as some of the victims will suffer permanent disabilities and require rehabilitation services.

The UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that education services are resumed as soon as possible.  In addition to the provision of physical infrastructure and school equipment, WHO has recommended that psychosocial support for the children, and the community as a whole, be provided.

For further information, please call:  Stephanie Bunker, OCHANY, tel.: 917 367 5126, mobile: 917 892 1679; or Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, tel.: 41 22 917 2653, mobile: 41(0) 79 473 4570.

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