In response to the rapidly worsening conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided US$175,000 in emergency funds to bolster essential health services across Sri Lanka. The cyclone, which made landfall on 28 November, triggered unprecedented flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage, leaving multiple casualties, significant displacement, and severe disruptions to essential services and livelihoods.
“The funds will support rapid response teams providing essential health services to affected communities, while strengthening health information management and surveillance,” said Dr. Rajesh Pandav, WHO Representative designate to Sri Lanka. These measures are critical for the timely detection of disease outbreaks and ensuring appropriate response.
Partly funded through the WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF), the emergency allocation will cover operational costs for deploying Rapid Response medical and public health teams. These teams will deliver trauma care and first aid, refer patients for hospital care, and provide support to vulnerable populations including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. They will also assess medical needs, water quality, sanitation, food safety, and environmental health risks in affected areas.
As the lead agency for the health sector response, WHO is coordinating a Joint Rapid Needs Assessment alongside national authorities and partners, guiding a government-led response across all 25 districts where a state of emergency has been declared. WHO teams have been working closely with national authorities since the disaster struck to ensure continuity of essential services and mobilization of resources.
Sri Lanka has requested international humanitarian and early recovery assistance, seeking multi-sectoral support in areas such as food security, livelihoods, agriculture, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, shelter, and rehabilitation.
“WHO remains fully committed to supporting the national response and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all affected communities,” Dr. Pandav said. The SEARHEF fund continues to play a vital role as the region’s unique mechanism for delivering life-saving interventions immediately after health emergencies.
