Attachments
SITUATION
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According to OCHA, nearly 1,600 people have been reportedly killed and thousands injured since midFebruary. Humanitarian partners report that a hospital in Arbin was hit by aerial strikes on 21 March, killing one patient and destroying several floors.
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Since 11 March, the total estimated number of internally displaced people at collective shelters has exceeded 50,000 people, more than double the numbers reported on 17 March.
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The key IDP shelters and number of people housed in each shelter are: Najha (4100-6300), Herjalleh (18,000), Adra (5400-8000), Electricity (11,000-13,000), Dweir (5,500), Nashabiyeh (5,500), Kherbet Al Ward (1,500), plus other sites identified on a daily basis.
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Most of the shelters do not have capacity or infrastructure to accommodate the large number of people arriving. People are staying out in the open, there are insufficient wash facilities and overall hygiene standards are low. With the exception of Dweir, which is better equipped and managed, almost all sites need waste management and lack latrines. The current situation leads to weak hygiene practice among the IDPs, and difficulties in accessing safe water can increase risk of water- and food-borne diseases.
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Many IDPs have medical conditions due to lack of healthcare in East Ghouta. Health professionals report communicable diseases among the evacuees, including diarrhea, upper respiratory infections and lice. No suspected cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis have been reported. Some children have digestive disorders (vomiting and gastric spasm symptoms), and cases of suspected viral hepatitis have been reported. Cases referred to hospitals include people suffering from injuries, and amputations with inflammations.
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Evacuation of civilians continues from different parts of eastern Ghouta to Government of Syria controlled areas. WHO and health partners have received approvals to trigger part of the medical evacuation plan to enhance the capacity of existing public health sector in Damascus and Rural Damascus (in direct coordination with the SARC Medical Director).