Escalating tensions prompt WHO to prepare for nuclear incident risks.
The World Health Organization is bracing for a potential nuclear catastrophe in the Middle East amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Hanan Balkhy, the WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, described a nuclear incident as the worst-case scenario that concerns officials the most.
She emphasized that while preparations are underway, nothing can fully prevent the harm that would spread across the region and potentially the globe, with consequences lasting for decades.
United Nations staff are closely monitoring the situation following strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including sites like Natanz. No radioactive contamination has been detected so far, but the organization remains vigilant for any atomic threat, whether from an attack on a nuclear plant or the use of a nuclear weapon.
The WHO is refreshing its personnel on response protocols for such events and advising on public health risks, including immediate injuries to the lungs and skin from radiation exposure, as well as long-term increases in cancer rates and mental health challenges. Balkhy drew comparisons to historical incidents like the Chernobyl disaster, highlighting the severe and enduring impacts on populations.
Officials expressed hope that the situation does not worsen, but they are actively preparing to mitigate risks in coordination with partners across affected nations. The focus remains on protecting public health in an already strained region.
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