Berlin In 2008, Johanniter mainly focused on providing medical care throughout 22 countries, and invested donations and subsidies in the amount of nine million Euros - half a million more than the previous year. Although, the share of donations has slightly decreased from 2007, subsidies from third-party donors, such as Germany's Foreign Office, have increased. More than half of the funds were used to provide aid in Asia, and over forty percent were spent on relief efforts in Africa.
Johanniter also provided emergency relief in 2008 after several natural disasters occurred, such as cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. Today, Johanniter continues to support local organisations in providing medical care for families in remote villages throughout the country.
With funds from Germany's Foreign Office totalling one million Euros, Johanniter was able to provide emergency relief in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, renovate several hospitals and health stations, and stock medicine, supplementary foods, and medical equipment.
As one of the last remaining relief organisations in the country, Johanniter continues to work on projects in Darfur. Providing adequate healthcare to the population continues to pose a great challenge, because medical equipment, medicine, and personnel are lacking. Nonetheless, onsite staff was able to renovate local hospitals and health stations, and hire qualified personnel.
Johanniter continues its work in other hot spots, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also provides relief in almost forgotten parts of the world, such as Djibouti, where Johanniter cares for malnourished children living in slums.
The 2008 Johanniter project report can be downloaded here: www.thejohanniter.de
A printed copy may be obtained by contacting the press department.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
