PAHO/WHO aids health response after Colombia earthquake

TITULO: PAHO supports health response after earthquake in Colombia

BAJADA: PAHO, the Regional Office for the Americas of the WHO, is working with Colombian authorities to provide technical cooperation following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

ARTÍCULO:

After the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit western Colombia on August 10, PAHO has been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Institute of Health, and local authorities to assess health needs and ensure the continuity of essential services in the most affected areas.

Assessing the Impact

Initial assessments have revealed damage to health facilities in various departments, such as Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, Cauca, and Quindío. The impacts range from structural damage to hospitals and clinics to issues with water storage and supply systems that could affect health service operations.

Response and Coordination

PAHO has dispatched teams to Cali and Chocó, consisting of specialists in emergency response, epidemiology, information management, and communications. The organization is also collaborating with humanitarian groups and health partners through the Colombia Health Cluster to coordinate the health response.

Support and Assistance

Technical cooperation includes conducting health assessments, mobilizing teams, deploying specialists to evaluate hospitals and water systems, and providing medical assistance to communities in need. PAHO specialists are working on the ground to assess health facilities and enhance local capacities for recovery.

Dr. Ana Rivière Cinnamond, PAHO/WHO Representative in Colombia, emphasized the importance of maintaining access to essential health services for affected communities and collaborating with authorities to address urgent needs.

Dr. Rivière Cinnamond recently met with Minister of Health and Social Protection Ana María Vesga to review the situation and coordinate response efforts. Damage assessments are ongoing as authorities work to lead the response operations in the affected regions.