Edited by |Christian Megan |castle journal - health editor"

28- Jan.-2023

WHO asks governments of the world to update the critical medicines list for radiological & nuclear emergencies.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it will update its list of medicines that should be stockpiled for radiological and nuclear emergencies, along with policy advice for their appropriate management. These stockpiles include medicines that either prevent or reduce exposure to radiation or treat injuries once exposure has occurred.

 Maria Neira, WHO Acting Assistant Director-General said today that the governments of the world must be prepared and have a safe list of medicine for radiological and nuclear attacks.

“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,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Acting Assistant Director-General a.i, Healthier Populations Division.

“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.”

Radiological and nuclear emergencies may result in exposure to radiation doses high enough to lead to severe health consequences or even death. It is therefore extremely important that governments respond rapidly to such threats. Many countries, however, still lack the essential elements of preparedness for radiation emergencies, according to annual reporting to the WHO Secretariat.