be stockpiled for radiological and nuclear emergencies, along with policy
advice for their appropriate management. These stockpiles include medicines
that either prevent or reduce exposure to radiation, or treat injuries once
exposure has occurred.
“In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to radiation at doses
ranging from negligible to life-threatening. Governments need to make
treatments available for those in need – fast,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO
Acting Assistant Director-General a.i, Healthier Populations Division. “It
is essential that governments are prepared to protect the health of
populations and respond immediately to emergencies. This includes having
ready supplies of lifesaving medicines that will reduce risks and treat
injuries from radiation.”
This publication supersedes the 2007 WHO report on the development of
national stockpiles for radiation emergencies. It includes updated
information on the stockpile formulary based on the developments in
radiation emergency medicine in the last decade.It provides policy advice
for acquisition of drugs which can prevent or reduce radionuclides uptake
or increase elimination of radionuclides from the human body.
