WHO designates Myanmar earthquake as a major emergency, urges funding to curb disease outbreaks.

GENEVA, March 31 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Myanmar earthquake as a Grade 3 emergency, its highest crisis level, and is urgently appealing for $8 million to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks in the next 30 days.

The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, struck near Mandalay on Friday, resulting in over 1,700 deaths in Myanmar and at least 18 fatalities in Thailand. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and limited surgical capacity is increasing the risk of infections, trauma complications, and communicable disease outbreaks.

According to WHO, the quake has exacerbated Myanmar’s fragile health system, with disruptions in electricity, water supplies, and sanitation infrastructure, heightening risks of waterborne and foodborne diseases. Immediate priorities include trauma care, surgical supplies, blood transfusions, and essential medicines, while disease surveillance must be strengthened to prevent outbreaks of cholera, dengue, and other infections.

The first shipments of trauma kits and emergency tents have arrived at a 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyidaw, with more supplies en route to Mandalay General Hospital. WHO warns that without immediate funding, lives will be lost, and Myanmar’s fragile healthcare system will collapse. Beyond emergency interventions, restoring essential services such as immunization and maternal care remains critical. — AFP