The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to distribute some 10,000 first-aid kits and sanitation and relief packages to an estimated 800,000 victims of tropical storm “Ondoy” who are seeking shelter at various evacuation camps.

WHO said the package includes, among others, Zinc tablets for diarrheal diseases, which usually increase and affect children during times of calamities.

The other supplies are those of water containers.

“The supplies are part of an immediate response of US$42, 000 released by the WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office based in Manila,’’ it said.

“We are also coordinating international health efforts to make sure the right assistance reaches the right people,’’ it added.

The WHO office in Manila earlier said that all the supplies were expected to arrive Sunday.

Meanwhile, WHO acting representative Dr. Howard Sobel lauded the efforts made by the Department of Health (DoH) to ban the distribution of milk products for infants and children at evacuation camps.

“Donations of infant formula and other powdered milk products, while well-meaning, endanger children’s lives,’’ he said in a statement. Sobel dispelled concerns that mothers could no longer breastfeed adequately due to stress during emergencies.

“Stress is not likely to inhibit breast-milk production, provided mothers and infants remain together and are supported to breastfeed,’’ he said.

With much of Metro Manila submerged in floodwaters last week, the WHO official reminded the public that diarrhea and other infectious diseases are expected to skyrocket in the coming days.

He advised mothers to "exclusively breastfeed'' the infants, adding "it is the best single way to avoid diarrhea and other diseases.''

"Breastmilk protects against infection through a complete complement of antibodies, immunological stimulating proteins, and nourishing vitamins. It provides the right amount of energy to further protect against malnutrition,’’ he stressed.