They saved my life - the story of a burns survivor

In September 2023, an explosion at a fuel depot in the Karabakh region, killed more than 200 people. Among the hundreds of injured, was Hrayr. After suffering 4th degree burns, Hrayr initially received medical attention in Armenia, but was then transported to Bulgaria for specialized treatment. Today, Hrayr is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Center for Burns and Dermatology, in Yerevan, Armenia. “I had over 17 surgeries as my entire body was affected”, Hrays says.

To support the care of burns survivors, WHO/Europe activated an Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cell (EMTCC) under the leadership of the Ministry of Health of Armenia. Teams from different countries specializing in burns management were quick to arrive and worked alongside Armenian medical staff to care for the high number of burns patients, from the early treatment stages through to rehabilitation. The European Commission via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism with the Governments of Bulgaria, Italy and Spain further coordinated medical evacuations of burns survivors.

WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health in Armenia to meet the health needs of refugees and host communities. Together with national and international partners, WHO strives to meet both their acute and long-term needs.

Read more about WHO's work in Armenia: https://www.who.int/armenia