International Medical Health Organization (IMHO)
Special Issue: #4
January 2011
Quick Links: Recent Reports UN OCHA Sri Lanka Flood Report: January 12, 2011 UN OCHA Sri Lanka Flood Report: December 2010 IMHO Ethiopia Volunteer Medical Trip 2010 Report Ethiopia Hospitals Equipment & Medicines Requests Presentation: Sexual Abuse of Children & Adolescents Presentation: Symptom Relief at End of Life
EMERGENCY APPEAL: Humanitarian Disaster in Eastern Sri Lanka as Flooding Continues
Presentation: 2010 Medical Needs in Sri Lanka Presentation: Intro & Efforts of HGD Foundation in Haiti Presentation: IMHO 2010 Current & Future Efforts Presentation: SJC87 Initiative Presentation: 2010 IMHO Update on Completed Projects NEW Introduction to IMHO 2010 Annual Souvenir Program IMHO Sri Lanka Health Projects & Needs Report 2010 All Previous IMHO e-
Dear Friends, As heavy monsoon rains continue to overwhelm Eastern Sri Lanka, yet another humanitarian crisis has taken hold of the island. Almost a million people have been affected and an estimated 400,000+ persons have been displaced and are now taking shelter in hundreds of temporary camps that have sprung up. Dozens have been killed and great damage has been done to homes, buildings, roads, and much more throughout the area. The Batticaloa and Ampara Districts are the most badly affected, with no end in sight for the rainfall. The water levels in Kalmunai alone are at more than 4 feet after days of continuous rain and rising seawater levels. In the Wellaweli area in Batticaloa District, waters have reached more than 6 feet, leading to regular rescue operations for those left stranded. The Kalmunai Hospital is functioning with very few staff. Some of the doctors were hoping to conduct mobile clinics, but there is no road access at present. Based off past flood experiences, local doctors and health official have raised concerns about the potential for diarrhea and other infections to cause widespread problems. IMHO (USA) has so far sent $4,000 to the Kalmunai Mental Health Society (KAMHA) to help provide emergency relief to the flood victims and is planning to do more. These funds will help to purchase milk products for children, dry rations, and hygienic products. IMHO Canada is currently making plans and collecting donations to assist in the relief effort, as well. Appeals