Contact:
Stephanie Bowen, Communications Manager
(310) 826.7800
sbowen@imcworldwide.org
August 11, 2008, Los Angeles, Calif. - International Medical Corps (IMC) is preparing to respond to the needs of conflict-affected populations from South Ossetia, following the eruption of hostilities there between Georgian and Russian troops.
An assessment by International Medical Corps of temporary accommodation centers for South Ossetian refugees found that those displaced by the fighting were in need of non-food items including clothing and blankets, as temperatures already have begun to drop. While local doctors are providing medical services, the displaced also are in need of mental health support.
While there is significant discrepancy in the number of South Ossetians predicted to have fled to North Ossetia and other Russian republics, more than 30,000 - the majority women and children - are estimated to have crossed the border. International Medical Corps is coordinating with local and international NGOs and the United Nations to best aid the affected region. Once conditions allow, IMC is also preparing for a needs assessment mission and response in Georgia and Abkhazia.
International Medical Corps' assessment, conducted with the UN High Commission for Refugees, consisted of centers around the North Ossetian capital of Vladikavkaz, where nine of the 19 sites are located, and the town of Alagir. In all of the sites, IMC found there were sufficient levels of food and shelter. Health facilities ran at a capacity ranging from 60 to 280 people. However, many of the sites are located in schools and dormitories, with classes resuming September 1st.
"As the conflict expands and intensifies it has become increasingly evident that the displaced will not soon be able to return to their homes. The need for health care, shelter, food aid, and educational support will become more vital," says Ben Hemingway, deputy director of international operations for International Medical Corps.
"With the approaching cold season, our assessment found the refugee population is in immediate need of warm clothes and blankets, as well as hygiene items, which International Medical Corps is prepared and able to distribute. The displaced also need mental health services to help them cope with what they have experienced."
In Alagir, International Medical Corps visited a triage center where South Ossetians are brought in by convoys from Dyavva. An estimated 1,700 have passed through the center since fighting erupted, with 280 currently receiving services on-site. From the triage center, South Ossetians are transported to centers in North Ossetia or other Russian Republics. Pregnant women and those with small children are sent to an accommodation site in Alagir.
International Medical Corps has worked in Russia since 2000, with programs in North Ossetia for the past two years. IMC provides youth education and vocational training in seven Russian republics, including Chechnya and Ingushetia, as well as Stavropolskiy Krai. In addition to education programs, IMC also provides health care services in Chechnya and Ingushetia. IMC also has extensive experience in Georgia, providing health care, micro-lending projects, and education programs for nearly a decade.
Fighting in South Ossetia began last week when Georgia sent warplanes and troops into the area. Russia responded by deploying troops across the border and arming Georgia's other debated state, Abkhazia. More than 1,600 civilians are believed to have been killed.
Georgia has struggled with two Russian-backed breakaway states since it gained independence in 1991, with South Ossetia in the north and Abkhaiza in the northwest fighting to become fully autonomous. The two regions use Russian currency and 90 percent of South Ossetians hold a Russian passport.
Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit our website at www.imcworldwide.org.
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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A Russian Uragan (Hurricane) multiple rocket launch system is seen on its way to Tskhinvali, the capital of Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia, August 11, 2008. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko (RUSSIA) ...
