W.H.O REPLIES TO MY EMAIL, SAYS NO EVIDENCE OF A CHEMICAL ATTACK IN DOUMA

 

11:36 (29 minutes ago)
to mediainquiries, me

Hi Jane,

WHO has not confirmed that a chemical event has taken place in Douma.

Despite WHO’s request to the Syrian authorities, we have not had consistent access besieged area in Syria. We do not currently have access to Douma. We urgently need to be able to visit the area, conduct a public health assessment, and ensure that people get the health services they need.

We received reports from our health partners of the suspected use of toxic chemicals in Douma on Saturday, 7 April. 

The information comes from partners that support health facilities in besieged areas. We are working to verify the reports, but we do not currently have access to the area.

The reports came in the context of WHO’s established set of standard operating procedures for monitoring the public health impact of a chemical event, and supporting the public health response to such an event. 

Best

Sent from my iPhone

Tarik Jašarević

Spokesperson / Media Relations

World Health Organization

Mobile: +41 793 676 214

Tel: +41 22 791 5099

E-mail: jasarevict@who.int