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6 months after tsunami: a time to
focus on long-term development
MALDIVES, 26 June 2005. Six months have passed since the
devastating tsunami which ravaged the coast lines of South
Asia. The tsunami which struck on 26 December 2004 caused widespread
devastation, and triggered what can easily be called the biggest humanitarian
aid effort that the world has known. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has been actively involved in the post-tsunami relief efforts
and remains committed to achieve long-term results.
According to Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang,
Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, “the public health challenges
following the tsunami of 26
December 2004 were bound to be extraordinary. In the process of
meeting those challenges, however, we have got an opportunity to improve the
health systems in the affected countries in a way that will address the needs
of the people in the long-term in daily situations.”
As the country grapples with the gargantuan tasks of rehabilitation
and recovery, maximum efforts are being directed at improving on basic
facilities as opposed to merely replacing them. This is in line with the UN
Secretary’s General ‘recovery plus’ concept, which posits going beyond simply
rebuilding. In the Maldives,
the challenges of the tsunami disaster are being transformed into
opportunities to accelerate sustainable long-term development. The idea
behind this is to maintain the momentum and continuously steer the country
towards a state of consummate development.
The WHO has been collaborating with the Government of
Maldives along with the rest of the United Nations Country Team, to
coordinate and implement recovery operations. The main focus now is on
Capacity-building.
The tsunami destroyed health systems and public health
infrastructure in many countries. In the Maldives alone, the tsunami
caused a severe blow to the public health infrastructure of the country,
damaging water and sanitation systems as well as health facilities. While
much has been accomplished in terms of short-term solutions, the emphasis is
now on long-term rehabilitation of health services.
The ongoing rebuilding and recovery process has provided
an opportunity for the health sector to address priority issues and to
strengthening the overall health systems on an ongoing basis. The last six
months has seen remarkable progress and signs of recovery are already
evident. Despite fears of the spread of diseases in the early stages, there
have not been any major outbreaks.
On this day of reflection, we would like to convey our
admiration and solidarity to the people of the Maldives for the courage and
determination they have displayed throughout this ordeal. We also take this
opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of the international community in
responding promptly to the disaster and contributing to the collective aid
effort.
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