ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: Director General World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Jong Wook Lee on Monday asked for a collective and sustained efforts to prevent, in coming weeks, the outbreak of diseases in the earthquake affected areas of AJK and NWFP.

“Timely intervention by health professionals of both Pakistan and those who have come from different countries saved the victims of Oct 8 earthquake from epidemic of different diseases, but similar efforts should be continued in coming weeks to check spread of any such diseases,” he told a joint press conference here at a local hotel soon after his meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

WHO Regional Director Dr Hussein A Gezairy, Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Khalif Bile were also present.

Dr J W Lee also asked the international donors to urgently fulfil their pledges by making available funds to Pakistan to alleviate sufferings of the quake victims adding WHO mobilized $10 million and had many more in reserve despite the fact that it was not a donor agency.

“Without continuous and generous support, relief efforts could be hampered,” he feared but said despite directly contributing in the health sector WHO would keep on asking the international community to continue long term support to Pakistan.

He also appreciated international agencies and Pakistani professional, actively engaged in the relief efforts.

Dr Lee also donated ten ambulances to the Pakistan institute of medical sciences (Pims) of which nine will be utilized in the affected areas.

WHO commenced relief operations immediately after the massive earthquake hit Pakistan and with the help of the health ministry, Pakistani people and international community saved the victims from epidemics. On Monday Dr Lee also visited the National Institute of Health (NIH) where WHO supported 100-bed prefabricated convalescence and rehabilitation centre for earthquake affected people are being built.

WHO and Unicef is also funding 100 prefabricated Basic Health Units (BHUs) in AJK and NWFP to be completed before Eidul Azha. Over 65 per cent of BHUs were destroyed during the earthquake. Made from strong weather resistant metal spans, these prefab units will have separate rooms for outpatient consultations, mother and child services, EPI (extended programme of immunization) and accommodation for female staff. WHO’s top priority was to prevent victims at high altitude from severe diseases as next four months were very critical, he said.

He also stressed the need of continuous supply of drugs, medical equipments and vaccines to help the people.

Responding to a question, Dr Lee said WHO was creating early warning infectious disease surveillance system in all health service delivery outlets besides stockpiling essential medical supplies to enhance preparedness and successfully control epidemics.