WHO and UNICEF Joint Statement Kiribati Butiraoi ferry disaster
31 January 2018 – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) send their deepest condolences to the people of Kiribati following the recent Butiraoi ferry disaster. This is a tragic event for the country of Kiribati, and we extend our thoughts to those affected families and communities.
WHO and UNICEF are closely coordinating with the Government of Kiribati to support the emergency response.
Together our agencies are providing in-country support for the coordination of clinical care to the survivors. Any bodies recovered will be managed properly and with respect for the dignity of the deceased. Psychosocial assistance will also be made available to survivors, affected families, children, and first responders, to help them get through these extremely distressing times.
WHO and UNICEF will remain on hand to provide additional support to the people and Government of Kiribati, as requested.
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