IFRC to continue Chernobyl programme "Humanitarian Aid and Rehabilitation" in Gomel region

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will continue implementing a Chernobyl programme "Humanitarian Aid and Rehabilitation" in Gomel region, the organisation's secretary general Markku Niskala told a meeting at Gomel region executive committee today. According to Markku Niskala, the Chernobyl programme is one of the long-lasting ones, which main purpose is medical examination of people, who live in polluted areas, and detection of cancer and other thyroid pathologies at an early stage. In particular, the Red Cross mobile diagnostics lab in Gomel performs ultrasound thyroid checkups of high risk group people. Specialists believe, such checkups allow getting precise and fast results, which are indispensable in life-saving situations. Along with the checkups, people receive the necessary psychological aid. Over 15 years Red Cross medics diagnosed around 200,000 Gomel region residents to detect 32,000 thyroid pathologies, including 200 cancer cases. According to Markku Niskala, the Red Cross will continue its large-scale awareness campaign about the impact of the Chernobyl catastrophe. It is needed to attract maximum foreign aid for minimising the consequences of the tragedy. The delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is taking part in an international conference "Chernobyl after 20 Years. Strategy for Recovery and Sustainable Development of the Affected Regions". The delegation intends to visit affected areas of Gomel region in today's afternoon.