Relief workers in Jakarta on standby to enter Myanmar where 1 million
people are reported homeless
PORTLAND, Ore., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 team -- all non US
citizens -- will coordinate responses with the local Ministry of Health and
World Concern's local staff.
More than 22,000 people are confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis -- one
of the worst disasters in Myanmar's history. A US 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 http://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.
SOURCE Medical Teams International
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Related links:
http://www.medicalteams.org/
CONTACT:
Barbara Agnew, Medical Teams International,
+1-503-341-6620 (cell), bagnew@medicalteams.org
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