Zimbabwean Health Workers Call For Crisi...( Today Physic...),Health

Today, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Zimbabwean health professionals warned of a public health catastrophe in Zimbabwe and urged an international crisis response.

Cambridge, MA (Vocus) November 19, 2008 -- Today, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Zimbabwean health professionals warned of a public health catastrophe in Zimbabwe and urged an international crisis response. Noting the convergence of hospital closings, disruption of water and electricity, a major cholera epidemic spreading throughout the country, a breakdown in delivery of medications for HIV-AIDS, TB, malaria and chronic illness, and government obstruction of food and critical aid to millions, PHR said that unless the United Nations and individual governments provide a robust and immediate response, massive loss of life will occur.

"The international community has taken upon itself the responsibility to protect civilians whose lives are threatened on a large scale by government failures," stated Frank Donaghue, PHR's CEO, who recently returned from Zimbabwe. "The international community, acting through the UN, should also devise a way to step in urgently to replace the life-saving functions of a health system that has totally collapsed. PHR is concerned that all the early-warning signs and worsening health indicators are also present to threaten peace and security in the region."

Zimbabwe public health workers on Monday issued a public appeal calling for an urgent response to the situation.

Given the continued gross negligence of the government of Zimbabwe and the callous disregard for the safety and wellbeing of its citizens, together with the dire signs of impending lethal epidemic disease, PHR called on the governments of the
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