The World Health Organisation says it has released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), to support the health response in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The global health body said the funding is aimed at strengthening emergency medical services, supporting healthcare facilities, and ensuring the continued delivery of essential health services to affected populations in the three countries.
The conflict has triggered a large-scale population movement, the WHO said last week, estimating that more than 100,000 people in Iran have relocated, and up to 700,000 people in Lebanon have been internally displaced.
One million Dollar has been allocated to Lebanon to strengthen the WHO’s emergency coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, scale up trauma care, reinforce disease surveillance, and procure and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies, the agency said in a statement.
READ ALSO:WHO Seeks $1bn for Global Health Emergency Response
“Iraq and Syria have each been allocated $500,000 to support emergency coordination and mass-casualty management, procure and distribute essential medicines and supplies, provide health services for displaced populations, and strengthen disease surveillance and community outreach,” it said.
“At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services,” WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
It was established on April 7, 1948, and its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization was created to coordinate global health efforts and help countries improve the health and well-being of their populations.
The organisation also supports countries during health emergencies such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. It provides medical supplies, technical support, research, and training for health professionals. Through these efforts, the WHO helps countries strengthen their health systems and improve access to quality health care.
Reuters/ Additional Report