Dr Neema Al-Gasseer, Assistant Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, warned that medicine and food stocks available in libya hardly covers few weeks, a threat that urges all concerned parties to act fast to ensure smooth provision of humanitarian assistances to avoid any consequences of the lack of such crucial items. This was announced at the end of a field visit paid by Dr Neema Al-Gasseer along with a UN mission to Libyan Eastern governorates including Banghazi, Al Marj, Al Bayda, Sousa, Darnah, and Tobruk, in the context of WHO’s efforts to support health aspects in all Member States.

WHO, in collaboration with Libyan concerned authorities, directs the available support to ensure the provision of medicines and surgery-related requirements, in addition to ensuring the availability of medical staff, through humanitarian partners, in order to support the medical teams currently working in Libya, especially nurses. Recently 10 surgical kits crossed the Egyptian/Libyan borders to Libya. The kits, funded by Norway government covers 10000 persons for 10 days.

Based on direct observation of the flow of medical supplies, initiated by WHO since 17 February, the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office renews its appeal to increase humanitarian aids to the Libyan people, immediate halt of armed operations against civilians, to stop the increasing blood shed that claimed so far more than 2000 deaths and much more injuries, according to the available estimates.

WHO, through the Assistant Regional Director, expresses deep concerns over lack of psychological care and support, lack of sufficient drugs and specialists in this field, and reiterates the importance of giving this issue the due interest and care.

WHO also is concerned about the deterioration of services provided to people with special needs in Libya, a matter that must be revisited immediately. WHO works closely with concerned parties to meet these needs as much as possible.