|
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
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.
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.
|
