WHO: We will continue working in the fight against earthquakes in Turkey

At the weekly press conference held at the WHO, global health issues and the impact of the earthquakes centered on Kahramanmaraş in Turkey and Syria were discussed.

Recalling United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ statement on the earthquakes centered on Kahramanmaraş as “one of the greatest natural disasters of our time” at the meeting, “Considering the destructive power of the recent earthquakes in Turkey, WHO’s support for any country in the face of such a devastating natural disaster.” “What does it mean?” Holden responded to the question.

Stating that his first priority as WHO is to ensure the survival of those seriously injured in the earthquake, Holden said this is not his only focus.

“We will work with local authorities, partners and healthcare professionals in Turkey,” Holden said. saying.

Noting that although it is difficult to combat earthquakes, Holden pointed out that the authorities in Turkey have great skills in this regard, and stressed that the Turkish authorities should be appreciated in this regard.

Holden stated that they will continue to work with the Turkish authorities to ensure that services continue and that the healthcare system is not disrupted in the future.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his speech here, stated that he visited Syria, which was hit by devastating earthquakes last week, and those affected by the quake experienced indescribable pain.

Stating that he met with WHO staff working in the region and received information about the studies carried out, Ghebreyesus stated that as WHO, they continue to provide health support to those in need in the region.

“WE LAUNCHED A $43 MILLION CALL FOR SUPPORT”

Ghebreyesus said: “On Saturday we launched a call for support worth $43 million for the work done in the fight against earthquakes in both countries (Syria and Turkey). This amount is increasing day by day, we expect WHO’s financial need for this emergency to double by the end of the week. We invite donors to be generous.” saying.

Mentioning the situation regarding Covid-19, Ghebreyesus stated that there has been a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths, especially after the reported Covid-19 related deaths in China last month.

Ghebreyesus, explaining that 10,000 deaths from Covid-19 were reported to the WHO last week, called attention to the fact that they are close to the figures prior to the increase experienced last month.

WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus said: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; 10,000 deaths a week is too much for a preventable and treatable disease.” he said.

Recalling that the WHO Emergency Committee met last week to assess whether the global monkeypox (mpox) epidemic remains a “public health emergency,” Ghebreyesus said the committee informed him that mpox remains a global health emergency and followed this advice. which he agreed. (AA)