The World Health Organization revealed the death of 101 health workers in Libya, following Storm Daniel that struck the country last month, causing a major humanitarian disaster.
The deaths of these health workers are among 4,333 people whose deaths were documented by the World Health Organization in the aftermath of the storm, in addition to more than 8,500 people who are still missing.
Before Storm Daniel hit the country, the Libyan health system was suffering from severe disruption due to the conflict that had lasted for more than a decade.
Healthcare facilities continue to face severe shortages of staff, medicines, equipment and medical devices.
Last September 10, a strong storm struck eastern Libya, and the rain falling in huge quantities led to the collapse of two dams in the city of Derna. Water flowed powerfully and meters high into a usually dry riverbed, while the water swept away parts of the city with its buildings and infrastructure, along with thousands of residents. .
A blow to the health system
In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Sky News Arabia, the World Health Organization considered the loss of 101 health workers in eastern Libya as “another painful blow to the health system there.” The representative of the Health Organization in Libya, Ahmed Zuwaiten, said, “These doctors, nurses, and paramedics who sacrificed their lives are not only losing their families and loved ones, but rather a loss to the entire community, and it is undoubtedly a strong blow to the health sector in eastern Libya and the rest of it.” The organization said that it is leading efforts to rehabilitate and strengthen the health system in Libya, by re-operating damaged health facilities by deploying health workers from the least affected municipalities, and sending medicines, medical supplies and equipment. Cooperation is also underway with local authorities to find immediate solutions to ensure that those affected in the most affected areas have access to health services.
Continuous efforts
In turn, the spokesman for the Libyan Ambulance and Emergency Service, Osama Ali, said in statements to the “Sky News Arabia” website that the efforts of the health authorities are still continuing to deal with the repercussions left by Storm Daniel in the country during the past month.
Ali explained that many families were evacuated from Derna and areas affected by the floods. For ease of dealing with and addressing the current crisis, especially in light of the lack of usable water.
He pointed out that many health sector workers were among the victims of Storm Daniel, whether during their work in rescuing the injured, or contracting some diseases during their work.
A committee emanating from the Libyan government appointed by Parliament announced the postponement of the date of the “international” conference for the reconstruction of the city of Derna, which was destroyed by floods, to the beginning of November.
The Preparatory Committee announced in a statement that the conference, which was scheduled to be held on October 10, was postponed for logistical reasons in order to give companies “the time necessary to present effective studies and projects that will contribute to the reconstruction process.”
2023-10-02 14:00:10
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