The World Health Organization (WHO) allegedly updated radiological and nuclear emergencies on the list of critical medicines. They have put their focus on the current conflict including radiological and nuclear threats.
According to the WHO, reports governments should accumulate for these kinds of emergencies including keeping a shelf of medicines to apply in case of radiation exposure. Maria Neira, the WHO assistant director general of the Healthier Populations Divisions says in a recent news release, “In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to radiation at doses ranging from negligible to life-threatening…Governments need to make treatments available for those in need- fast. It is essential that governments are prepared to protect the health of populations and respond immediately to emergencies. This includes having ready supplies of lifesaving medicines that will reduce risks and treat injuries from radiation.”
National stockpiles will include generic supplies that will support a wide range of emergencies including the drugs to treat and prevent over-exposure to radiation. The stockpile emergency will also include stable iodine, chelating sand decorporation agents, cytokines, and medicines to treat vomiting, diarrhea, and infections.
According to Mike Ryan, an executive director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, “This updated critical medicines list will be vital preparedness and readiness tool for our partners to identify, procure, stockpile, and deliver effective countermeasures in a timely fashion to those at risk or exposed in these events.”
Sources say that the WHO stockpile will also be made easily available for transport to affected areas for national and international emergencies.
