Friday the World Health Organization updated its critical medicines list for nuclear and radiological emergencies. It also released a report on policy guidance for nations stockpiling the critical medicines. Pictured is WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Photo by World Health Organization/Twitter
Jan. 27 (UPI) — On Friday the World Health Organization updated its list of medicines that should be stockpiled to deal with nuclear and radiological emergencies.
The critical medicines stockpiled can be used to prevent or reduce radiation exposure or treat radiation injuries that occur.
“In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to radiation at doses ranging from negligible to life-threatening. Governments need to make treatments available for those in need — fast,” said WHO’s Dr. Maria Neira in a statement. “It is essential that governments are prepared to protect the health of populations and respond immediately to emergencies. This includes having ready supplies of lifesaving medicines that will reduce risks and treat injuries from radiation.”
The WHO released a document detailing policy advice for stockpiling these medicines. It covers what’s required for developing, maintaining and managing national stockpiles of medical supplies specific to radiological and nuclear emergencies.
“This updated critical medicines list will be a vital preparedness and readiness tool for our partners to identify, procure, stockpile and deliver effective countermeasures in a timely fashion to those at risk or exposed in these events,” said WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies Program Dr. Mike Ryan in a statement.
Among the medicines are:
The updated guidance from the WHO comes just days after the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the hands on the “Doomsday Clock” forward 10 seconds to 90 seconds before midnight because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.