The devastating earthquakes have led to flattened villages, the displacement of thousands, and a significant demand for humanitarian and health assistance. The calamity disproportionately affected women, girls, boys, and vulnerable populations, accounting for more than 90% of the fatalities and injuries.

Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, expressed the heart-wrenching sense of loss experienced by survivors. Many spent days searching for family members in the rubble, and as they work to rebuild their lives, they grapple with both physical and emotional trauma. These challenges also take a toll on health workers on the frontlines.

Initial assessments revealed that at least 40 health facilities in nine districts were damaged, leading to severe disruptions in healthcare access for an estimated 580,000 individuals. The health-related consequences of the earthquakes are staggering.

The World Health Organization (WHO), as one of the initial responders, mobilized swiftly. They have been on the ground for hours, supporting hospitals, especially the Herat Regional Hospital, in mass casualty management, injury treatment, and the provision of essential medicines and medical supplies.

Dr. Alaa AbouZeid, WHO Team Lead for Emergencies, commended their prompt response. "Thanks to the long and established presence in Herat, WHO rapidly mobilized resources and extended immediate lifesaving support to the affected population at the most critical time of the emergency. We were able to deploy mobile health and nutrition teams (MHNTs), surged personnel for mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS), emergency management, trauma care, maternal and reproductive health services."

The WHO has also activated its surveillance system to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreak-prone diseases, particularly with the upcoming winter season.

Dr. Jamshed Tanoli, Health Cluster Coordinator, emphasized the high demands for assistance. He said: "As WHO and Health Cluster partners scale up the response, the appeal for $7.9 million in funding will cover life-saving health services while working to restore and build back critical health services in the affected communities. The needs are high, and we hope to reach as many people as possible with donor support." (ILKHA)