WPRO – Cyclone Winston leaves lasting aftermath

Cyclone Winston leaves lasting aftermath

SUVA, 5 APRIL – Supported by WHO and many international and national partners, the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) has made significant progress addressing Cyclone Winston’s health impact on the estimated 350 000 people affected by the disaster. But six weeks after the powerful storm swept across Fiji, health responders continue to face challenges.

“The impact of Cyclone Winston will be felt for a long time,” said Dr Liu Yunguo, WHO Representative in Fiji. “WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for as long as it takes to restore health services for everyone in Fiji, and to build back an even better health system.”

The cyclone left 44 people dead, over 125 injured, and thousands without shelter, food and safe water. The MoHMS responded quickly providing trauma care to the injured, assessing and restoring health services where possible, communicating health advice to people at risk, and monitoring for disease outbreaks that can follow cyclones…

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