The Doctors of the World organization called for “unimpeded access” and “rapid mobilization of funds” to help those most in need, following the earthquake in Syria and Turkey, which has already claimed more than 20,000 lives.
In a statement quoted by the EFE agency, Doctors of the World president José Fernández explains that “several buildings and shelters in northwestern Syria have been destroyed”, while “hospitals are damaged and overloaded” and the organization’s clinics “partially destroyed”. or completely damaged”.
“The population of the affected areas is struggling to access basic infrastructure, such as water or electricity,” and “many health workers have suspended their activities as they deal with the personal impact of this disaster,” Fernández said.
That is why this health organization emphasizes that there is a “great need for emergency medical assistance and a rapid recovery of health services” in areas “already plagued by cholera outbreaks and nutritional problems”.
What is most needed, they point out, are kits medical and first aid supplies, as well as surgical consumables, blankets and mattresses.
The vice-president of Médicos do Mundo, José Félix Hoyo, deplores the “disastrous situation” on the Turkish border with Syria, namely in the city of Hatay, in Turkey, where this organization had a regional office, which provided aid to Syria and in which it was “completely destroyed”.
The organization has appealed to the international community and humanitarian organizations so that humanitarian aid is not stopped and the supply of materials to Syria is facilitated, which means “opening other cross-border entry points besides Bab Al Hawa”.
Médicos do Mundo also believes that the United Nations and the community responsible for donations should “guide funding flows” to ensure they can meet needs in the most relevant way.
He also calls for investments in programs “aimed at restoring vital basic infrastructure” in the region, with priority for water, sanitation, hygiene and health facilities.
According to the organization, in addition to planning long-term support for affected regions, additional funding should “give priority to supporting local organizations, which were the first to respond” to these types of disasters.
In northwestern Syria, more than four million people were already dependent on humanitarian aid and living in appalling conditions as a result of 12 years of conflict. in the middle of winter, the organization adds.
Syria and Turkey were hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the early hours of Monday, followed by several aftershocks, one of which measured 7.5.
The earthquakes have already claimed more than 21,000 deaths, of which about 19,400 in Turkey and at least 3,380 in Syria.
Source: DN
