International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
AUSTRALIA OFFICE - REGIONAL DELEGATION IN THE PACIFIC
Libya: ICRC delivers emergency supplies to Tripoli hospitals
Tripoli/Geneva (ICRC) – As Libya’s armed conflict continues, with fierce fighting in the capital's streets, the ICRC has
started distributing medical and surgical kits to some of the city’s main hospitals.
“Today, our team started providing medical facilities, including the Abu Slim Trauma Centre, with some of the supplies
they need in order to treat casualties. We are delivering enough medical supplies to treat at least 300 casualties. The
consignments include surgical kits, dressing materials and intravenous fluids,” announced George Comninos, the ICRC's
head of delegation in Tripoli.
“In one of the hospitals we visited today, only one doctor was left to look after 25 patients, including 15 seriously
wounded,” added Comninos. “We are mobilizing a complete surgical team to support the medical staff and help hospitals
cope with the situation.”
The ICRC is maintaining regular contact with the main hospitals, so that the organization can evaluate their needs and
respond accordingly.
"So far, we only have limited access because of the fighting. However, we have managed to maintain dialogue with all
parties ever since the beginning of the conflict, so we are able to operate despite the highly fluid front lines,”
explains Comninos.
“It is still difficult to get a clear picture of the overall humanitarian situation. We continue to urge both sides to
respect civilians and to let medical workers treat the wounded.”
The ICRC has had a permanent presence in Tripoli since mid-April. The organization is currently operating in Tripoli,
Benghazi, Misrata and Jadu in the Nafusa mountains.
ENDS