UNICEF sends medical equipment worth over US$1 million to flood-hit Henan Province

Xinmi, Henan Province, 11 August 2021 – UNICEF has dispatched critical medical equipment worth more than US$1 million to Xinmi, Henan Province, in support of the provincial government’s response to devastating floods last month.

Heavy rains across most of Henan from 17-22 July caused 302 deaths and 50 people to go missing, according to local authorities. More than 14.5 million people were affected. The floods also caused damage to infrastructure across the province, including maternal and child health facilities, and put women and children at risk by interrupting basic health services.

The medical supplies procured by UNICEF include patient monitors and ventilators for newborns and adults, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and pharmacy refrigerators. The first batch of medical equipment has been handed over to the Henan Provincial Health Commission, with more to follow in the coming days. The medical equipment is intended to be distributed to health facilities in nine hard-hit regions in Henan: Xinmi, Dengfeng, Xingyang, Weihui, Muye, Mengzhou, Qi County, Fugou, and Xihua.

“UNICEF is deeply saddened by the loss of life and the devastating impact that the floods have had on so many lives. We stand with the government and people of Henan as we mobilize support to help restore health services for mothers and babies,” said Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to China. “As we continue to support the authorities in addressing immediate needs, UNICEF also stands ready to help the country build its capacity in disaster preparedness, to help mitigate the risks when the next extreme weather hits,” she added.

Since the floods hit Henan, UNICEF has been working with the Government of China to reach vulnerable children and their families. The delivery of medical equipment follows shipments by UNICEF of 8,200 hygiene kits for girls and boys as well as 1,500 first aid kits to flood-affected areas in Henan.

To strengthen the capacity of local health professionals, UNICEF is planning to provide training on service delivery and emergency preparedness in Henan later this year.