Extensive plans for medical relief in countries liberated from Nazi occupation are now being mapped out by the Office of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation, it was announced here today by Herbert Lehman, director.
“It is apparent that the control of epidemics is an integral part of the problems which confront the OFRRO,” Mr. Lehman stated. “Hunger and disease will be two major facts in any populations freed from enemy domination. These two horsemen always follow in the wake of war. The Office of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation Operations has recognized from the outset the necessity of planning and executing an extensive medical and health program in theatres of relief operations. Almost from the outset of our operations, the several Governmental agencies concerned with the various aspects of public health and medical care were asked to provide their assistance. A number of these agencies have been working on these problems in advance of the creation of the Office of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation Operations.
“Accordingly, I created an Advisory Committee on Health and Medical Care under the chairmanship of Surgeon General Thomas Parran, U.S. Public Health Service, and asked the heads of a number of other Departments to assign representatives to sit on the committee. In establishing this committee, I asked it to undertake the following work:
1. To collect and analyze available information concerning disease prevalence and important health problems in areas which may be reoccupied by our armed forces.
2. To appraise the epidemic and other disease conditions which are likely to be an important part of relief and rehabilitation.
3. To estimate the amount and kinds of essential health and medical supplies and equipment which must be provided.
4. To consider – at least in general terms – the numbers, skills and potential sources of personnel needed to deal with epidemic and other health problems.
5. To consider, in conjunction with appropriate agricultural and other sources of information, the nutritional problems ahead.
Mr. Lehman pointed out that “in the field of health, as in other sectors of the task of bringing relief and rehabilitation to the liberated peoples, it is apparent that there will be needed not only the full participation of Governments but also of all voluntary agencies and foundations experienced in this field. The task will be so tremendous that even the combined efforts of Government and private agencies will be unable to meet all the demands.”
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