Mongolia Dzud Situation Report 2
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Date: 06 Feb 2010
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mongolia is currently experiencing a "Dzud," a multiple natural hazard consisting of a summer drought followed by a heavy winter snow with significantly colder temperatures.
HEALTH IMPACT
The severe weather threatens nomadic and isolated herder families, especially poor families who lack the resources to stockpile food or fuel for heating. 1.7 million livestock deaths have been reported as of 31 January, with the Government estimating that this could rise to 3-4 million heads of livestock by spring. If immediate assistance is not provided, spreading poverty will lead to mass migration to the cities later this year. Around 21 560 people have left their aimags (provinces) in search of better pastureland in the central regions.
Children remaining at home or in school dormitories continue to be at risk, since affected dormitories lack adequate heating facilities. Around 22 200 children in 265 dormitories remain in need of assistance.
Based on assessments conducted by partner agencies, current health concerns include:
- Extended food shortages
- Lack of access to adequate heating materials
- Limited access to medical treatment, especially for obstetric and emergency cases
- Increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections and pneumonia
- Increased malnutrition and acute infections
- Lack of first-aid knowledge among herders, especially regarding the treatment of frostbite
- Increased levels of stress and anxiety among the affected population
- Risk of injury during attempts to save livestock.
The Ministry of Health's expressed needs continue to be:
- Essential drugs, supplies and equipment to manage hypothermia
- Nutritional supplements especially for pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five
- Protective gear including warm clothes, boots, and gloves for health care workers
- Logistical support for routine immunization and for continued H1N1 vaccination
- Mental health and psychosocial support for those who have suffered losses
- Support and supervision for emergency health care workers in terms of transport and per diem for supervisors
Casualties
No deaths or serious injuries have been reported as of 3 February 2010.
RESPONSE
Government Response
The Government has conducted an assessment mission, with the report due within the week. The Government is also coordinating the response to the emergency, including the delivery of logistical support and relief goods to affected areas. The Government has appealed for international aid to organize a coordinated campaign of assistance to counter the disaster's impact on the livelihood and health of the affected population.
International Response
The UN continues to coordinate all donor contributions, with the last meeting held on 1 February. The UN Emergency team continues to coordinate the humanitarian response, including the writing of situation reports, press releases, and appeals for aid. Geographic mapping is being done to determine priority areas for response. International partners and concerned governments have conducted assessments and given financial aid, food and non-food items.
WHO Response
The WHO assisted the Ministry of Health in developing a proposal to address the expressed needs of the country, including: organization of mental health and psychosocial support teams and distribution of guidelines for mental health, health services for children and pregnant women, protective clothing for emergency health care workers, medical supplies for the treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, support for assessment activities
Sources
- UN Country Team in Mongolia Situation Report No.2, Severe Winter Weather, 2 February 2010
- ?Dire winter triggers livestock disaster in Mongolia,? FAO report, 2 February 2010
For further information please contact:
WHO Mongolia
Dr Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn
WHO Representative
Tel : (976) 11 327870
Fax: (976) 11-324683
Email: rojanapithayakornw@wpro.who.int
WHO Mongolia
Dr Salik Govind
Medical Officer
Tel : (675) 325-7827
Fax: (976) 11-324683
Email: govinds@wpro.who.int
WHO Regional Office
Dr Arturo Pesigan
Tel: (632) 528 9810
Fax: (632) 528 9072
Email: pesigana@wpro.who.int
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Date: 06 Feb 2010
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mongolia is currently experiencing a "Dzud," a multiple natural hazard consisting of a summer drought followed by a heavy winter snow with significantly colder temperatures.
HEALTH IMPACT
The severe weather threatens nomadic and isolated herder families, especially poor families who lack the resources to stockpile food or fuel for heating. 1.7 million livestock deaths have been reported as of 31 January, with the Government estimating that this could rise to 3-4 million heads of livestock by spring. If immediate assistance is not provided, spreading poverty will lead to mass migration to the cities later this year. Around 21 560 people have left their aimags (provinces) in search of better pastureland in the central regions.
Children remaining at home or in school dormitories continue to be at risk, since affected dormitories lack adequate heating facilities. Around 22 200 children in 265 dormitories remain in need of assistance.
Based on assessments conducted by partner agencies, current health concerns include:
- Extended food shortages
- Lack of access to adequate heating materials
- Limited access to medical treatment, especially for obstetric and emergency cases
- Increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections and pneumonia
- Increased malnutrition and acute infections
- Lack of first-aid knowledge among herders, especially regarding the treatment of frostbite
- Increased levels of stress and anxiety among the affected population
- Risk of injury during attempts to save livestock.
The Ministry of Health's expressed needs continue to be:
- Essential drugs, supplies and equipment to manage hypothermia
- Nutritional supplements especially for pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five
- Protective gear including warm clothes, boots, and gloves for health care workers
- Logistical support for routine immunization and for continued H1N1 vaccination
- Mental health and psychosocial support for those who have suffered losses
- Support and supervision for emergency health care workers in terms of transport and per diem for supervisors
Casualties
No deaths or serious injuries have been reported as of 3 February 2010.
RESPONSE
Government Response
The Government has conducted an assessment mission, with the report due within the week. The Government is also coordinating the response to the emergency, including the delivery of logistical support and relief goods to affected areas. The Government has appealed for international aid to organize a coordinated campaign of assistance to counter the disaster's impact on the livelihood and health of the affected population.
International Response
The UN continues to coordinate all donor contributions, with the last meeting held on 1 February. The UN Emergency team continues to coordinate the humanitarian response, including the writing of situation reports, press releases, and appeals for aid. Geographic mapping is being done to determine priority areas for response. International partners and concerned governments have conducted assessments and given financial aid, food and non-food items.
WHO Response
The WHO assisted the Ministry of Health in developing a proposal to address the expressed needs of the country, including: organization of mental health and psychosocial support teams and distribution of guidelines for mental health, health services for children and pregnant women, protective clothing for emergency health care workers, medical supplies for the treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, support for assessment activities
Sources
- UN Country Team in Mongolia Situation Report No.2, Severe Winter Weather, 2 February 2010
- ?Dire winter triggers livestock disaster in Mongolia,? FAO report, 2 February 2010
For further information please contact:
WHO Mongolia
Dr Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn
WHO Representative
Tel : (976) 11 327870
Fax: (976) 11-324683
Email: rojanapithayakornw@wpro.who.int
WHO Mongolia
Dr Salik Govind
Medical Officer
Tel : (675) 325-7827
Fax: (976) 11-324683
Email: govinds@wpro.who.int
WHO Regional Office
Dr Arturo Pesigan
Tel: (632) 528 9810
Fax: (632) 528 9072
Email: pesigana@wpro.who.int
Comment