02 Sep 2007 04:00 AM
UNICEF Helps To Combat Cholera Outbreak In Iraq
UNICEF has rushed emergency aid to help victims of a cholera outbreak in Suleimaniya and Kirkuk in northern Iraq.
Local authorities report that over 2000 people have been affected so far by the outbreak, with five deaths reported and approximately 500 patients admitted to hospital with severe diarrhoea within the last two days alone. 47 cases have been confirmed as epidemic cholera, but this number is expected to grow. Although the outbreak is largely affecting adults, children are at extremely high risk.
To help hospitals in Suleimaniya and Kirkuk treat the overwhelming number of victims, UNICEF has delivered 4,000 cannulae and needles and 15,000 sachets of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). ORS is critical to prevent death from the dehydration caused by severe diarrhoea. And 4,000 safe water kits are being delivered today to families in the Suleimaniya area, where significant numbers of displaced people are also at risk.
UNICEF's team is also helping…
Local authorities report that over 2000 people have been affected so far by the outbreak, with five deaths reported and approximately 500 patients admitted to hospital with severe diarrhoea within the last two days alone. 47 cases have been confirmed as epidemic cholera, but this number is expected to grow. Although the outbreak is largely affecting adults, children are at extremely high risk.
To help hospitals in Suleimaniya and Kirkuk treat the overwhelming number of victims, UNICEF has delivered 4,000 cannulae and needles and 15,000 sachets of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). ORS is critical to prevent death from the dehydration caused by severe diarrhoea. And 4,000 safe water kits are being delivered today to families in the Suleimaniya area, where significant numbers of displaced people are also at risk.
UNICEF's team is also helping…
