(PORTLAND, ORE - May 8, 2008) Nearly a week after Myanmar's horrific cyclone, Medical Teams International staff are on standby in Jakarta today, ready to enter the country once visas are approved.
Along with positioned aid workers, Medical Teams International is sending an initial $10,000 to its in-country partner, World Concern. World Concern has been working in Myanmar since 1995, in the areas of community health, nutrition assistance to children under the age of 5, and prevention programs for common diseases.
Medical Teams International's three staff members in Jakarta include a medical physician and two seasoned aid workers. The teamall non U.S. citizenswill coordinate responses with the local Ministry of Health and World Concern's local staff.
More than 22,000 people are confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargisone of the worst disasters in Myanmar's history. A U.S. embassy spokesperson estimates the eventual total will be closer to 100,000 people, particularly if access for international aid groups remains slow.
"We're eager to reach families who desperately need our help," says Brian Heidel, director of regional programs for Medical Teams International. "The days following a disaster are critical. Waterborne illnesses and communicable diseases can quickly become serious. Every day counts. We hope the Myanmar government will allow aid workers to reach the people immediately."
To donate to the Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund, please call 1-800-959-4325, 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 U.S. Bank branch.
Medical Teams International is a relief agency that sends volunteers and medical supplies to help people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world. Since 1979, Medical Teams International has deployed more the 1,700 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Children rest at Kwak Mhue Orphan Home in Yangon May 7, 2008. Local media reported that three children from the home were killed during Cyclone Nargis. The United Nations estimated 1.5 ...
