MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 11: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday said there was no major threat of epidemics in the earthquake-stricken areas of Azad Kashmir as the situation had been brought under control by an effective immunization campaign. Speaking at a press conference at the President’s House following his day-long visit to Muzaffarabad, WHO Director General Dr J.W. Lee said “there was no major outbreak of measles, pneumonia and other diseases” in the quake-hit areas. “Our emphasis in the beginning was to avert deaths and ease sufferings, especially by diarrhoea.”

Health Minister Dr Nasir Ahmed Khan, Dr Hussain Jazari, Dr Khalif Bile regional and country directors of the WHO accompanied Dr Lee. AJK Minister for Health Chaudhry Masood Khalid, AJK Health Secretary Maj-Gen Abdul Malik and other officials were also present.

Dr Lee said the acute phase was over and it was now time to work together for reconstruction and rebuilding of damaged structures.

He said he was glad to see the measures taken by the government, the United Nations and other agencies.

On the occasion the health minister briefed reporters about efforts undertaken by the federal government in collaboration with the WHO, AJK government and other concerned agencies to help protect the earthquake victims from communicable diseases and provide them every possible health facility.

Dr Lee visited camps set up for quake victims at Thoori Park, where the delegation visited different camps and met with affectees.

He was briefed by the health officials, DHO Muzaffarabad Dr Sardar Mehmood Ahmed Khan about the facilities being provided and measures adopted for the control of diseases through immunization campaigns.

The delegation also visited the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences where executive director Dr. Basheer Rehman Kanth briefed the WHO chief and his entourage.

He was also toured the site of a hospital waste disposal unit being built with the technical and financial assistance of the WHO. —APP