Analysis of Disparities in the Initial Health Care Response to the February 2023 Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
Abstract
Objectives: This study analyzes disparities in initial health care responses in Turkey and Syria following the 2023 earthquakes.
Methods: Using Humanitarian Data Exchange, Crude Mortality Rates (CMR) and injury rates in both countries were calculated, and temporal trends of death tolls and injuries in the first month post- catastrophe were compared. World Health Organization (WHO) Flash Appeal estimated funding requirements, and ratios of humanitarian aid personnel in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams per population from ReliefWeb and MAPACTION data were used to gauge disparities.
Results: 56 051 096 individuals were exposed, with Turkey having 44 million vs 12 million in Syria. Turkey had higher CMR in affected areas (10.5 vs. 5.0 per 10,000), while Syria had higher CMR in intensely seismic regions (9.3 vs. 7.7 per 1,000). Turkey had higher injury rates (24.6 vs. 9.9 per 10 000). Death and injury rates plateaued in Syria after 3 days, but steadily rose in Turkey. Syria allocated more funding for all priorities per population except health care facilities' rehabilitation. Turkey had 219 USAR teams compared to Syria's 6, with significantly more humanitarian aid personnel (23 vs. 2/100,000).
Conclusions: Significant disparities in the initial health care response were observed between Turkey and Syria, highlighting the need for policymakers to enhance response capabilities in conflict-affected events to reduce the impact on affected populations.
Narrative abstract: The 2023…
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