(PORTLAND, ORE. - Aug. 17, 2007) Medical Teams International is sending urgently needed medicines and supplies valued at $845,000 to Peru today where thousands are recovering from Wednesday's devastating earthquake.
Medical Teams International is also funding the rental of a local helicopter to help distribute the medicines in Pisco and Chincha, two communities particularly hard hit by the disaster. The supplies, sent in cooperation with MAP International, include antibiotics, bandages and sutures.
"The quake has destroyed most medical facilities along with travel routes," says Joe DiCarlo, director of emergency response at Medical Teams International (formerly Northwest Medical Teams). "Thousands of people are exposed to extreme heat during the day and bitter cold at night. Without clean water, food and medicines, these families are vulnerable to serious health conditions."
Medical Teams International is partnering with the local Ministry of Health and Food for the Hungry to disperse the medical items. Because the Peruvian government has mobilized doctors, nurses and ambulances from the around the country, Medical Teams International is not sending volunteers at this time.
To help with this response, give to the Peru Earthquake Fund, please call (800) 959-8325, give online at our secure Web site: www.medicalteams.org or mail gifts to PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207. Donations can also be made at any US Bank office.
Medical Teams International sends eight to 10 volunteer teams each year to Peru and has distributed more than $1.5 million in medicines to clinics and hospitals in the country. A volunteer team of medical surgeons is slated to go to Coya, Peru, in September. Medical Teams International has been working in the country since 2001.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
