NCDs are responsible for 75% of deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that people are up to three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack after a disaster, the researchers said.
To save more lives, they will meet in Denmark this week to ensure that care and treatment of NCDs is a standard part of humanitarian emergency preparedness and response.
The situation worsens during a crisis
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said: “People living with NCDs facing humanitarian crises are likely to have their symptoms worsened by trauma, stress or lack of access to medicines and services.” said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
WHO convened a three-day meeting with Denmark, Jordan, Kenya and the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, which opened in Copenhagen on Tuesday.
They reported that the number of crises affecting people's health is increasing.
Last year, WHO responded to 65 staged health emergencies around the world, up from 40 a decade ago. UNHCR also declared 43 states of emergency to scale up assistance in 29 countries, the highest number in decades.
The United Nations estimates that 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024, with more than half in need of emergency medical assistance.
Families gather at a refugee camp in Tabaré, Haiti.
$674 million humanitarian plan for Haiti
Moving on to Haiti, where the United Nations, governments and partners have launched a $674 million plan this year to meet humanitarian needs.
Speaking in New York on Tuesday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the plan aims to provide food, shelter, health, education and protection services to 3.6 million people.
He said this is against the backdrop of a serious protection crisis for millions of people in Haiti.
In 2023, the country saw more murders, kidnappings, lynchings, and sexual assaults than in any previous five years. Moreover, nearly one in two Haitians is food insecure, and basic services are at risk of collapse.
Human rights experts praise Central African Republic peace efforts
Experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have called on the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to continue its efforts towards peace and stability.
Yao Agbetse, the Central African Republic's Independent Expert on Human Rights, concluded a 10-day visit to the country on Tuesday.
He welcomed the government's efforts to extend security to key areas of the territory, highlighting the challenges that remain beyond urban areas.
“Despite progress, daily insecurity continues as armed groups maintain strongholds in remote areas, particularly in forests and mining sites,” he said in a statement.
Rights experts highlighted recent incidents such as the attack on Nzakunde village in Lim Pende district. In this village, the 3R armed group allegedly targeted a military checkpoint, resulting in casualties and civilian deaths.
demand accountability
He condemned the violence and stressed the importance of holding perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable.
“The situation has worsened due to the use of explosives in various prefectures, causing casualties among civilians, especially children, and disrupting vital activities such as schooling and agricultural activities. “There is,” he added.
He also called on technical and financial partners to provide support to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and integrate mine clearance experts into the United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA in the country. asked to do so.
Independent experts are participating in a so-called special procedure at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.
They are mandated by the Council, are not UN employees, and do not receive compensation for their work.