World Health Organization ( WHO ) has been criticised for slow response to the ebola epidemic, so perhaps they are keen to make the most of their contribution to prevention of any major disease outbreaks in the year following typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda.
Of course recovery remains slow, thousands are still destitute, and questions are being asked about where the aid money has gone. Thats a topic for separate threads.
Its still remarkable that WHO, the Philippines Department of Health, and all other international assistance has succeeded in preventing infectious diseases breaking out.
Vaccination campaign across the affected areas :- over 100 thousand children were given measles vaccine ; about 50 thousand polio vaccine ; over 30,000 given Vitamin A supplements. Many more then vaccinated nationally.
Identifying and clearing up mosquito breeding sites mainly to prevent spread of dengue.
Over 300 thousand dogs vaccinated against rabies.
TB cases identified with all TB patients back on treatment.
SPEED ( surveillance in post extreme emergencies and disaster ) use of text messages to alert authorities about possible outbreaks.
Treating non-communicable diseases like heart attacks and diabetes patients had lost medicines, with more complications partly due to stress.
Ensuring mental health services could cope with the inevitable increase in depression and anxiety disorders.
Maternal and Child Health services prioritised ( unlike previous emergencies ).
Water quality and sanitation issues addressed.
Improved access to health facilities ( 600 were damaged / destroyed by the typhoon ).
http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/...rview.pdf?ua=1
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