500 in Douma show symptoms of toxic weapons exposure, says WHO

A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in the opposition-held town of Douma, Syria. Picture: Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP

A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in the opposition-held town of Douma, Syria. Picture: Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP

Published Apr 11, 2018

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Geneva - The World Health Organisation

condemned a suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria

last weekend, in which it said an estimated 500 patients went to

health facilities with "signs and symptoms consistent with

exposure to toxic chemicals".

"WHO demands immediate unhindered access to the area to

provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts,

and to deliver a comprehensive public health response," Peter

Salama, WHO deputy director-general for emergency preparedness

and response, said in a statement issued in Geneva.

UN aid agencies do not have access to most of the enclave

of eastern Ghouta, including Douma, where the alleged attack

occurred. The Syrian government has denied responsibility.

READ MORE:

Cocktail of poisons may have been used to kill dozens in Syria's Douma

Reuters

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