UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies - UNHCR eCentre

Emergency Health Kit
The kit is designed to meet the needs of a population with disrupted medical facilities in the second
phase of a natural or other disaster, or a displaced population without medical facilities. Its contents are
calculated to meet the needs of a population of 10,000 persons for three (3) months or for 30,000 persons
for one (1) month.
THE BASIC UNIT: 10 identical boxes, each 41 kg.
Total: 410 kg = US$ 2194
To facilitate distribution to smaller health facilities on site, the quantities of drugs and medical supplies
in the basic unit have been divided into ten identical units, each for 1,000 persons. The basic unit contains
drugs, medical supplies and some essential equipment for primary health care workers with limited
training. Simple treatment guidelines, based on symptoms, have been developed to help the training
of personnel in the proper use of drugs.
THE SUPPLEMENTARY UNIT: 14 boxes (3 boxes of drugs, 5 boxes of infusions, 3 boxes of renewable supplies
and 3 boxes of equipment).
Total: 420 kg = US$ 2752
The supplementary unit contains drugs and medical supplies for a population of 10,000 persons for
three months and is to be used only by professional health workers or physicians. It does not contain
any drugs and supplies from the basic units and can therefore only be used when these are available as
well. A manual describing the standard treatment regimens for target diseases, is included in each unit.
How to request
The kits are in stock at supplier’s warehouse in Amsterdam. Requests should be made by the Bureau
through the Desk at HQ with a copy to STS indicating quantity of complete kit, markings needed, project
to charge.
One complete Emergency Health Kit is a total of 24 boxes for a total weight of 830 kgs, volume 3.40 cbm,
packed on two pallets. Total cost: US$ 4,947 without transport costs. Delivery is within 24/48 hours to
the airport of departure. It must be emphasized that although the standard kit is convenient in the
second phase of an emergency, specific local requirements need to be assessed as soon as possible and
further supplies must be ordered accordingly. STS has signed for a period of one year (1.9.97 to 31.8.98
renewable) a frame agreement for the list of UNHCR Essential Drugs. A request for a reasonable quantity
of items listed could be quickly delivered. Please contact STS before ordering.
Blankets
150,000 blankets of various qualities (wool ranging from minimum 30% or minimum 50% are stockpiled
with suppliers in Europe). Additional stocks are available from regional stockpiles.
Blankets are packed in bales of 30 pieces weighing about 48 kg depending on the quality of blanket.
The cost of each blanket ranges from US$ 4.50 to US $5.00 depending on the quality.
How to request
Requests for the release of items from the Central Emergency Stockpile (CES) should be made by the Bureau
through the CES Focal Point in STS and confirmed in writing, preferably by e-mail. After reviewing
the request, STS will initiate form SF(1) which will be forwarded to the Certifying Officer (Head of Desk
or other authorized signatory). The transfer of appropriate funds to the Central Emergency Stockpile
project will be authorized by the Certifying Officer with availability of funds being confirmed by the
DFIS.
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