Working closely with the government and partners, WHO is supporting to respond to the urgent health needs of the affected population
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal's Western Province of Karnali, shortly before midnight on 3 November 2023, killing over 150, leaving many more injured, and thousands displaced. Jajarkot, which was the epicenter, and Rukum West are the two districts most affected by the quake.
Friday's earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have also caused damages to several health facilities in the province, affecting delivery of essential health services.
WHO personnel on the ground are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Population to support urgent health needs. Staff stationed in the province have been mobilized to assist the provincial health authorities to assess damage to health infrastructure, support restoration of basic health services, conduct surveillance for disease outbreaks, and plan for immunization campaigns.
On Tuesday, WHO dispatched two basic modules of Interagency Emergency Health kits to Jajarkot. These have now been handed over to the local authorities in the district. Additional health kits, surgical and trauma kits, medical camp kits, are ready to be dispatched based on the needs.
As part of efforts to strengthen the country's emergency preparedness and response, WHO had helped to set up provincial health emergency operation centers in all seven provinces of Nepal. The PHEOC's function as information and coordination hub has been crucial to ensuring effective response to the current crisis.