PAKISTAN FLOOD HEALTH CRISIS TALKS‎ TO BE HELD

24.08.2010 [17:03]
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Baku, August 24 (AZERTAC). Pakistan`s prime minister is convening an urgent meeting of health officials to address concerns of a growing health crisis in the flood-hit country.

Doctors in many areas are reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of illnesses like diarrhoea and cholera.

But with millions of people left homeless, there are fears of more serious disease outbreaks. The UN says more than 17 million people have been affected by the floods, which now cover a fifth of the country.

The flooding has already killed nearly 1,600 people, but millions are considered to be at risk from water-borne diseases like cholera.

Doctors in flood-hit regions appear to be overwhelmed by health problems including skin rashes, dehydration and diarrhoea, says our correspondent.

The officials hope to formulate an emergency response plan during the talks, which will enable them to make the most of the resources available.

UN officials have described the humanitarian situation in Pakistan as critical.

PAKISTAN FLOOD HEALTH CRISIS TALKS‎ TO BE HELD

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