Myanmar: AmeriCares Emergency Relief and Ongoing Medical Aid

Traditionally an isolated country, AmeriCares work in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been limited. But in 2008, Cyclone Nargis tore through Myanmar, devastating the country's southern coastal regions. One of the worst cyclones in history, Nargis, first struck on May 2. It caused a massive tidal wave and floods that killed nearly 140,000 people. Deadly Cyclone Nargis destroyed many villages in Myanmar's hard hit areas, including Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta. Other communities suffered significant damage. In the wake of the cyclone, AmeriCares was one of the first relief groups allowed into Myanmar. Since the disaster, AmeriCares has delivered more than $4 million in lifesaving medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to support Myanmar's recovery from the disaster. AmeriCares is preparing several shipments in the coming months to help restore the county's ravaged health care system. Medical aid now bound for Myanmar includes IV solutions, syringes for vaccines, and supplies to help stop the spread of Dengue Fever. Read more about: Timeline: Relief for Cyclone Nargis Disaster Response in Cyclone's Aftermath Voices from the Field: AmeriCares Emergency Relief Worker Ella Gudwin Fighting Malaria Restoring Health Services Supporting Doctors' Medical Missions Country Background Help save lives in Myanmar and around the world. » Timeline: Relief for Cyclone Nargis 08 May 2 Cyclone Nargis makes landfall on Myanmar. Torrential rains and a tidal wave barrage the country for two solid days. May 5 With reports of millions in desperate need of medical care, AmeriCares prepares an emergency airlift of aid for survivors. Read» May 9 AmeriCares becomes the first U.S. relief organization to authorized to fly medical aid into Myanmar. Read» May 10 AmeriCares relief workers among first Americans allowed into Myanmar to help survivors. Read» May 18 Emergency medical aid receives final clearance from government and distribution begins in the hardest hit areas. Read» June AmeriCares assembles medicines and supplies needed for the next aid delivery. Read» July 11 Second massive airlift of medical aid arrives safely in Myanmar. 2.5 Million people still affected by the disastrous cyclone. Read» July 12 AmeriCares relief worker goes out into the field - one of few Americans allowed out of capital city, Yangon. Read» Aug. - Sept. AmeriCares conducts needs assessment and help stream in from individual and corporate donors. October AmeriCares delivers $800,000 worth of aid to Myanmar for Cyclone Nargis Relief and Recovery. Read» 09 Nov. - Jan. AmeriCares Partners with MENTOR to Helps Fight Malaria in Myanmar. Read» February AmeriCares Continues Commitment to the People of Myanmar for their Recovery from Cyclone Nargis. Read» March - April AmeriCares works with partners in country to monitor relief delivery and program management. Needs assessments continue. May One year anniversary marked. $4 million in aid delivered to date; two more shipments being prepared. Read» Supporting Doctors' Medical Missions Since 1995, AmeriCares has delivered nearly $350,000 worth of aid to Myanmar through the Medical Outreach Program (MOP). The program donates medical products to qualified U.S. health care professionals who are traveling overseas to provide charitable medical care. Thousands of patients have benefited over the years. AmeriCares has sent a variety of products, ranging from antibiotics and high blood pressure medications to analgesics, vitamins and nutritional supplements. Top Myanmar Country Background Myanmar (formerly Burma) is located in Southeastern Asia, between Bangladesh and Thailand. It is prone to destructive earthquakes and cyclones. Flooding and landslides are common during rainy season from June to September each year. In Myanmar, people face a very high risk of infectious diseases including hepatitis, typhoid fever, dengue fever, and dangerous forms of diarrhea. Malaria is particularly deadly and is a major cause of mortality. Children's health remains a concern in Myanmar. Nearly quarter of all of the Country's deaths are children under 5 years old. Diarrhea and acute respiratory infection may be common during childhood but information is very limited. Ref:americares.org