Health body publishes list of medicines for nations to stockpile in case of ‘radiation or nuclear emergency’ as EU warns ‘Russia is at war with the West’
- WHO issued guidance on how to survive a nuclear catastrophe today
- Threat of nuclear war is heightened amid Russian fury over NATO tank deal
- Volodymyr Zelensky has again ruled out peace talks with Vladimir Putin
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its list of medicines to stockpile for ‘radiological or nuclear emergencies’, just hours after the EU warned that Russia ‘is at war with the West’.
The global health body issued guidance on how to survive a nuclear catastrophe in a new report today, warning against ‘intentional uses of radioactive materials with malicious intent’.
The report was published as the spectre of nuclear war looms over the world after the West supplied state-of-the-art tanks to Ukraine to the fury of Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin accused NATO of a ‘blatant provocation’ and threatened a ‘global catastrophe’ in response to the deal.
And today, Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European Union‘s European External Action Service, said Putin had ‘moved from a concept of special operation to a concept now of a war against NATO and the West’.
The EU is not looking to escalate hostilities but is ‘just giving the possibility of saving lives and allowing the Ukrainians to defend (themselves) from these barbaric attacks’, Mr Sannino said.
Dr Maria Neira, WHO Acting Assistant Director-General warned that many governments today are not prepared for a nuclear or radiation disaster.
She said: ‘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.
‘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.’
WHO outlines that a national stockpile normally includes PPE, trauma kits, fluids, antibiotics and painkillers.
By Jack Newman
