Geneva, SANA- Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, expressed her solidarity with those affected by the earthquake that occurred in Syria, pointing out that the survivors are in urgent need of coordinated aid, medical and psychosocial support.
The prolonged hostilities, food crisis, damaged infrastructure, poverty, the coronavirus pandemic, along with the outbreak of cholera in some parts of Syria have led to fragile health and social systems, Mofokeng said in a statement.
Mofokeng noted that, according to UN estimates, 6.1 million people were affected by the earthquake, and the health system was severely affected, with many medical infrastructures damaged or disrupted.
Essential health and medical supplies have been destroyed, leaving healthcare providers overwhelmed and unable to manage life-threatening conditions, particularly providing emergency obstetric and newborn care,” Mofokeng added.
In the coming days and weeks, it is necessary to restore the continuity of health care services without discrimination, especially for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and persons with non-communicable diseases, including mental health in addition to the psychological and social support, Mofokeng stated.
She added that it is important to facilitate the entry and distribution of medicines, equipment, surgical supplies, prosthetics, assistive devices and basic first aid kits, as well as medical supplies for reproductive health.
The UN Health Rapporteur urged all sides to provide full access through opening more border crossing points.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)