The mandate of UNHCO is to raise levels of nutrition, improve medical care in emerging nations, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the establishment of hospitals. UNHCO supports projects worldwide to provide people in third world countries with clean water, sanitary facilities, sufficient food and satisfactory medical care.
UNHCO aims to provide assistance to all victims of war to protect their life and health and to alleviate suffering. The assistance provided is in accordance with assessed needs such as food, water, shelter and health care.
Armed conflicts affect public health and the work of UNHCO in various ways. The effects of war on health are multifaceted and range from striking effects such as the wounded, the dead, the epidemics and famine, to less visible ones including the disorganization of health services and, in some cases, their total annihilation. Both types of effects may result in humanitarian tragedies which affect whole populations. UNHCO responds to these challenges using a four-point agenda.
HEALTH ACTION IN CRISIS
STRENGTHENING NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEMS