WHO concerned by reports of suspected chemical attacks in Syria

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a press release Wednesday that it is “deeply alarmed” by reports of suspected toxic chemical attacks in Douma city in East Ghouta, Syria.

An estimated 500 patients presented to health facilities showing signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals during the shelling of Douma on Saturday, according to reports from Health Cluster partners. Patients exhibited signs of severe irritation of mucous membranes, respiratory failure, and disruption to central nervous systems.

Reports indicate that more than 70 people sheltering in basements have died. Forty-three of those deaths were related to symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals. Two health facilities were also reportedly affected by the attacks.

“WHO reminds parties to the conflict of their obligation to refrain from attacking medical facilities and personnel as per Security Council Resolution 2286 (2016),” WHO said. “Any use of chemical weapons to cause harm is illegal under international law. Global norms against chemical weapons reflect a particular abhorrence to their disproportionate harm to the eldest, the most infirm, and the youngest among us.”

WHO is currently coordinating the health cluster response for those displaced from East Ghouta and noted that it is ready to provide further assistance to newly-accessible areas as soon as access is granted.

“We should all be outraged at these horrific reports and images from Douma,” WHO Deputy Director-General for Emergency Preparedness and Response Peter Salama said. “WHO demands immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response.”

WHO and partners are providing trauma care, medicines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment, mental health support, medical consultations and integrated reproductive health services, antenatal and obstetric care, vaccinations and support for disease surveillance.