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 11
March 2005
The focus has been on
reviewing the current situation and planning for the longer-term
rehabilitation of the health systems.
Health staff and volunteers are being trained to better address the
mental health needs of the tsunami-affected population. Hygiene promotion is
being addressed with volunteers being trained, and education materials being
developed.
04
March 2005
As most
tsunami-affected regions enter the second phase of the post-disaster health
program, they are focusing on rebuilding their infrastructure, increasing
capacity and assessing and rehabilitating their health systems. Medical supplies, their storage and
tracking systems are being strengthened in these countries.
25
February 2005
Affected countries like India and Sri Lanka are now focusing on
large-scale health education campaigns to promote better hygiene standards
among the displaced populations. In Sri Lanka,
providing health services to families that have relocated spontaneously is a
significant challenge facing health authorities.
22
February 2005
Health education and food safety efforts
are receiving greater attention. The safe disposal of medical waste is
becoming an issue in some areas.
Construction of temporary shelters is progressing well, with shelter
for 1000 families completed, or nearly completed, in
Sri Lanka and 139 of the
proposed 418 barracks for the displaced completed in Indonesia.
18
February 2005
While most tsunami-affected countries are
now concentrating on rehabilitation and rebuilding their health
infrastructure, the emergency relief phase continues in some areas,
particularly Aceh. There are reports of cases of
various communicable diseases but no outbreaks. The mental health and nutritional status
of many tsunami survivors remain serious concerns.
15
February 2005
Health systems are being rapidly
strengthened across all tsunami-affected countries. Nutrition needs are being assessed and
met. As many survivors try to return
to their homes, the fluidity of internally displaced people makes the
delivery of humanitarian assistance a challenge. In Indonesia, an outbreak of
suspected food poisoning occurred in one camp. Environmental issues,
especially sanitation improvements, remain a priority.
11
February 2005
Tsunami-affected countries have
transitioned from emergency relief work towards more rehabilitation and
reconstruction work. Mental health
remains a concern; WHO is working with governments for appropriate medical
and psychosocial responses. While there
are no outbreaks, cases of dengue, hepatitis E and typhoid have been confirmed
in Indonesia. HIV/AIDS in the vulnerable populations
remain a concern.
08
February 2005
Rehabilitation work is progressing rapidly,
with new buildings already being erected. Many Internally Displaced People
are going back to the site of their homes.
There has been a confirmed case of dengue fever and suspected cases in
Aceh Utara, Indonesia,
but no major outbreaks. Mental health
remains a widespread problem. WHO is working closely with governments to
strengthen health infrastructure.
04
February 2005
Relief and
rehabilitation continue to progress simultaneously. For WHO, the relief work primarily means
being vigilant for outbreaks and improving water and sanitation facilities in
order to promote health security. No
disease outbreaks have been reported.
The rehabilitation work is proceeding rapidly. WHO is supporting local communities and
governments in planning for reconstruction of sustainable and equitable
health systems.
01
February 2005
No disease outbreaks have been reported. However complacency must not set in as
disease surveillance systems still have gaps, not all health actors are
reporting though the same systems, conditions in affected areas remain favourable for communicable diseases, and people's
capacities are overstretched. The
reconstruction must rebuild a system that can withstand future calamities,
can better and more equitably serve the population, and be a sustainable
system. WHO is assisting national and
local authorities both make the best use of external recovery assistance and
maintain ownership and direction - reconstruction must be country driven, not
supply-driven.
29
January 2005
 In Indonesia,
medicines are beginning to be stockpiled in Aceh
for epidemic-prone diseases.
In Sri Lanka, the government has
started to monitor water quality according to national standards.
In Thailand, active disease
surveillance by the Bureau of Epidemiology will continue for at least one
more month in Phang Nga
province. In other tsunami-affected regions, responsibility for disease
surveillance will be resumed by provincial authorities.
28
January 2005
No major outbreaks of
communicable diseases have occurred in tsunami-affected areas. However, the
region continues to be vulnerable.
This is a densely populated area and is endemic for dengue fever and malaria. With the rainy season now starting, a rise
in cases should be expected. The
early warning and rapid response systems set in place by Ministries of Health
supported by WHO and a wide network of international health experts have been
performing well. Mental health experts
are providing guidance to properly help people cope with the impact of the tsuanami. Malnutrition is a growing concern.
27
January 2005
Disease
surveillance continues to be strengthened. Virtually all areas throughout the region are
endemic for dengue fever and malaria. With the rainy season now starting,
particularly in Indonesia
and Sri Lanka,
a rise in cases can be expected at this time of year. As many governments shift
focus from relief to rehabilitation, and as more people return to their
villages, the top priorities are the provision of safe drinking water, proper
disposal of excreta, prevention of waterborne and vector-borne diseases,
psychosocial rehabilitation, and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
26
January 2005
WHO continues to
work with local governments and partners to strengthen public health
surveillance and response systems as many of the affected countries enter the rainy season, traditionally known for
high transmission of mosquito-born diseases.
No disease outbreaks have been reported. As the acute emergency relief needs
subside, WHO is working with countries to strengthen longer term responses
such as mental health assistance and rehabilitation of damaged health systems
25
January 2005
Strong cooperation and coordination on
disease surveillance along with early action on water and sanitation has
helped ensure that to date , no disease outbreaks
have been reported. WHO is
strengthening its disease surveillance, as sufficient time has now passed for
mosquito vectors to multiply to levels which could potentially cause severe
public health problems.
24
January 2005
No disease outbreaks have been reported.
However, the threat of water-borne and vector-borne diseases remains a
concern. Disease surveillance is high on everybody's agenda. In Aceh, an assessment of health, water and sanitation in 50
camps began on 24 January. A similar assessment in Jaffna, Sri Lanka confirmed there is work
needed for better water quality and hygiene in camps. In Indonesia, close to 55,000 children were
vaccinated against measles, and in Thailand, progress is being made
in addressing the mental health needs of people in the tsunami-affected
areas.
23
January 2005
There are no reports of disease outbreaks in
the various affected areas however the conditions for such to occur remain
22
January 2005
While no disease outbreaks have
been reported anywhere in the affected regions, the risk of water-borne and
vector-borne diseases remains high among affected populations
21
January 2005
No disease outbreaks have been reported. However, the risk of outbreaks has not
passed. Given the damaged
infrastructure in Aceh there is a precarious situation and the public health
system is straining to stay ahead of a wide range of threats to a severely
weakened and still disoriented population. However, the hard work of local people in
responding to this disaster, the local capacity that governments have built
up over the past couple of years, and the strength of the international
response has so far kept this threat at bay.
20
January 2005
Although no outbreaks have been reported,
the risk of outbreaks has not passed.
Given the damaged infrastructure, increases in isolated cases of
water-borne, respiratory and vector-borne diseases are to be expected.
19
January 2005
Continuing health assessments in the province of Aceh in Indonesia confirm that many
people still lack access to the basics such as water, sanitation, hygiene and
health care. It is also becoming
increasingly clear that many people affected by the tsunami need psychosocial
care. In other places, such as southern India,
Sri Lanka and Thailand,
the focus has moved more to planning for rehabilitation and
reconstruction. Disease surveillance
continues to be strengthened across the region in order to rapidly identify
potential outbreaks. Experts are
standing by in the case of an outbreak.
18
January 2005
In some places - particularly in Aceh - access to the basic needs of water, sanitation,
and hygiene is still not adequate. In
other places, such as southern India,
Sri Lanka and Thailand,
the focus has moved more to planning for rehabilitation and
reconstruction. Disease surveillance
continues to be strengthened across the region in order to rapidly identify
potential outbreaks. Experts are
standing by in the case of an outbreak.
17
January 2005
Across much of the affected area, the focus
on planning for rehabilitation and reconstruction is increasing. However, in some places - particularly in
the north of the Indonesian island
of Sumatra - access to
the basic needs of water, sanitation, and hygiene is still not adequate. In the district of Aceh,
helicopter-based rapid health assessments continue. Disease surveillance continues to be
strengthened across the region in order to rapidly identify potential
outbreaks.
16
January 2005
While
the focus remains on life-saving relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction
are gaining momentum in most areas. WHO continues the helicopter-assisted rapid health
assessments along the western coast of the Indonesian province of Aceh. The information
gained by these assessments is helping to formulate public health action in
the region.
15
January 2005
While the focus remains on acute relief
efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction are gaining momentum in most
areas. WHO has begun helicopter-assisted rapid health assessments
along the western coast of the Indonesian province of Aceh. These assessments will look at a range of vital health
needs, from water and sanitation to injuries, food supplies and the needs for
vaccines.
14
January 2005
The overriding concern remains Aceh, Indonesia. Assessments have not been conducted in an a large area estimated at 350 km by 10 km. Still, the
province continues to be in a state of emergency. Strong progress has been
achieved in Sri Lanka,
but an increased systematic relief effort must be undertaken, as planning for
rehabilitation and reconstruction is strengthened.
13
January 2005
Aceh, where many people have not been
reached by a systematic aid effort, is still an acute emergency. Assessments are starting and once this
information begins to flow, appropriate health responses can be
formulated. In Sri Lanka and the Maldives, plans for
rehabilitation are being developed, alongside the continuing relief. Much of the initial rescue efforts and the
current relief and rehabilitation work has been done
by the people and governments of the region. The role of WHO is to assist
national and local authorities in this ongoing work, helping affected people
and rebuilding damaged communities and infrastructure.
12
January 2005
Aceh, where many people have not been
reached by a systematic aid effort, is still an acute emergency. Assessments are starting and once this
information begins to flow, appropriate health responses can be
formulated. In Sri Lanka and the Maldives, plans for
rehabilitation are being developed, alongside the continuing relief. Much of the initial rescue efforts and the
current relief and rehabilitation work has been done
by the people and governments of the region. The role of WHO is to assist
national and local authorities in this ongoing work, helping affected people
and rebuilding damaged communities and infrastructure.
11
January 2005
The fate of nearly one million
people along the western coast of Indonesia's Aceh
is slowly being assessed with anecdotal reports of death rates in excees of 50%. The
highest priority is getting aid to those it has not reached. Simultaneously, plans for rehabilitation
are picking up, particularly in Sri Lanka. Health actors, supported by WHO, are progressing with health assessments and know what
is needed technically. The current
challenge is developing the operational capacities on the ground.
10
January 2005
The fate of nearly one million
people along the western coast of Indonesia's Aceh
is slowly being assessed with anecdotal reports of death rates in excees of 50%. The
highest UN priority is getting aid to those it has not reached. Simultaneously, plans for rehabilitation
are picking up, particularly in Sri Lanka. Health actors, supported by WHO, are progressing with health assessments and know what
is needed technically. The current
challenge is implementing the operational capacities on the ground.
9
January 2005
Finding the right balance between relief for the dire acute
emergency and reconstruction continues.
While calls for and plans for rehabilitation are picking up,
particularly in Sri Lanka, the reality in the field remains that some areas
remain difficult to access. Health
actors, supported by WHO, are progressing with
health assessments and know what is needed technically. The current challenge is building full
operational capacities on the ground.
8
January 2005
While calls for and plans for rehabilitation are
picking up, the reality in the field remains in some areas dramatic and
difficult to access (example: unconfirmed reports of a camp with 60,000
people in Malabeu,
Indonesia). WHO is supporting both the rehabilitation
effort and the dire acute emergency. WHO has health
assessments and knows what is needed technically. The current challenge is the operational
capacities on the ground. Need for development aid should not take away tackling other health priorities.
7
January 2005
Tackling urgent needs such as ensuring proper sanitation and clean water supplies
and putting measures in place to try to prevent disease outbreaks is
critical. As countries assess their
needs, coordinating the relief and reconstruction effort and ensuring the
right aid reaches the right people at the right time becomes more crucial. WHO's main concern now is to strengthen disease
surveillance and an early detection warning system for potential outbreaks.
6
January 2005
Tackling urgent needs such as ensuring clean water supplies and putting
measures in place to try to prevent disease outbreaks is critical to the
speed of the response. Additionally,
the aid needs to be targeted. This
includes assessing the needs, coordinating the relief, and ensuring the right
aid reaches the right people at the right time. WHO's
main concern now is to strengthen disease surveillance and an early detection
warning system for potential outbreaks.
5
January 2005
WHO's overriding concern
remains of potential associated disease outbreaks throughout the region. With isolated cases of diarrhoeal disease
confirmed in temporary shelter camps in India
and Sri Lanka,focus must be on improving
hygienic and sanitation conditions for the estimated 3-5 million displaced
people. Cases of diarrhoea are reported and are under scrutiny for
possibility of cholera and typhoid. Of particular concern is that the
situation throughout the region is ripe for cholera cases, a disease not
unknown to the region. Lack of adequate clean drinking water and sanitation
facilities, stress and psychosocial trauma and overcrowding in camps
contributes to heighten the risks of disease outbreaks. Relief efforts are
now well on the way, but concerted coordinated action among all health actors
is required.
4
January 2005
Providing safe drinking water
and adequate sanitation remains the major priority in preventing disease
outbreaks. Reported Diarrhoea is being examined, so far ruling out cholera.
Cleaning up efforts for the damaged areas has begun and relief camps are
being set up, but are hampered by damage. Proper camp design and management
to avoid crowding, which might lead to further health concerns, is
imperative. WHO is emphasizing to reduce suffering of survivors by providing
health and psycho-social care. The immediate WHO
priority is in deploying personnel to strengthen country efforts.
3
January 2005
There is great concern of
disease outbreaks among the affected population of 5 million. It is a race
against time to act quickly to respond to disease outbreaks. First reports
from health assessments are coming in and so far there are no confirmed
outbreaks. Increased reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea are expected and there
are concerns for malaria and dengue. Disease surveillance is essential to
ensure any potential outbreaks of any disease are identified and responded to
rapidly and efficiently. The priority is to ensure the health of the
survivors through: treating the injured, ensure availability and access to
clean water and sanitation facilities and ensuring essential supply of
medicines and trained health workers to easily access affected populations.
2
January 2005
Death toll nearing 150,000 and
expected to continue to increase. Shortage of clean water is widespread and
risk of diseases outbreaks increased throughout region. Major concerns that
death rates will rise due to communicable diseases unless priority attention
is given to prevention through quality of water and sanitation. WHO does not
report any disease outbreaks as yet. WHO focus on
health assessments, and is mobilizing emergency health kits to cover
essential medical needs of two million people for three months.
1
January 2005
Tremors (6.5 richter scale) have hit Aceh
province, Indonesia
during New-Years night accompanied with heavy rains. Aid has begun to reach
tsunami victims in the remote areas of Aceh. Relief
efforts are ongoing in all other countries. So far, Asian affected countries
are emphasizing health preparedness and prevention, and not reporting major
disease outbreaks.
31
December 2004
The World Health Organization
said urgent action is needed to address the emerging public health needs of
between 3 and 5 million people affected by devastating tsunamis in Southeast Asia. Priorities are clean water, adequate
shelter, food, sanitation and healthcare. US$40 million is needed to address
the immediate public health needs following the Tsunami that hit Southeast Asia.
28
December, 2004
Sri
Lanka
:The tidal waves struck Sri Lanka by 09.00 a.m. The high tidal waves affected
coastal areas deep inland on the North East, East, South and South West coast areas, with enormous damage and
destruction caused by the force of the wave. Currently 13’000 people may have
perished. Communication with the affected areas in the country is been
disrupted and is likely to hamper effective medical help and restoration of
basic services in water and food.
27
December, 2004
A series of earthquakes with
epicenters off the Northern Sumatra (Aceh) and
resultant tsunamis have hit Southeast Asia caused serious damage and loss of
life. The first strongest quake, at 0058 hours GMT had the magnitude of 8.9
on the Richter Scale, followed by a second severe quake (0421 GMT) measured
at 5.5 at the Richter Scale off the Sabang Sea.
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