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Pakistan Update November 6, 2006
As efforts focus on long-term rehabilitation in Pakistan, IMC has taken over operational responsibilities for 10 government basic health units, assisting communities in remote and hard-to-access areas across the earthquake affected Manshera district. It has been more than a year since a 7.6 quake devastated much of the northern regions of Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province.
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The Ministry of Health still faces significant human resource challenges and is relying on IMC to run the facilities, which directly impact 71,000 people. They are also faced with replacing critical equipment, medicines and vehicles destroyed during the earthquake.
Prior to the earthquake, these health outlets were both ill-equipped and understaffed. The earthquake made the situation worse, as many of the staff were killed, injured or left their posts to attend to their families. IMC mobile teams were providing health services to people in the province. Now, with the help of IMC, permanent health personnel are stationed at area facilities.
The first snow has already fallen, and the approaching winter is forecasted to be more severe than last year, making IMC’s health support vital to people in hard to reach places.
IMC continues to implement water and sanitation projects in the remote areas of Kaghan and Mohandri. IMC completed 160 water and sanitation projects during the relief phase which helped more than 93,000 people. IMC is now working closely with the government to rehabilitate 43 water supply projects and is offering hygiene education. IMC is organizing village development organizations which are critical to the successful implementation of the projects. They also ensure that communities learn how to take over operational and maintenance responsibilities after IMC leaves the region.
Pakistan Update August 1, 2006
IMC immunizes 500 children in Pakistan’s remote villages and establishes psycho-social and livelihood programs for people affected by dangerous storm
International Medical Corps has immunized 500 children against measles in Jaraid, a remote village that was hard hit by the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Located in Kaghan Valley, Jaraid’s basic health unit was destroyed during the earthquake and its 12,500 residents were cut off from health care. IMC launched this immunization campaign after medical teams discovered some cases of measles. In June 2005, IMC established a base camp in the region and has dispatched medical staff to Jaraid and other outlying areas in need of medical assistance.
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In late July a rainstorm struck the heavily-populated Ghari Habibullah camp in Balakot, causing flooding and fatalities. IMC medical teams had been assisting patients each week at the camp’s basic health unit. IMC is now working with the government to help relocate people and a basic health unit to the nearby Jabba camp where people from the Ghari Habibullah camp are expected to move. In addition to the basic health unit in Jaraid, IMC is assisting nearly 2,000 patients each week in Kotgali, Hangrai, Ghanool and Jabri Keleesh.
IMC is offering individual and group therapy to women and children traumatized by the earthquake and relocation process. One example is Sakina, who lost her husband and son in the earthquake, leaving her without any means of raising her other son. She has benefited from the therapy and IMC’s program which has provided her with a sewing machine to help her earn an income and reestablish her life.
IMC has also helped more than 1,000 children make the adjustment by giving them books, colored pencils and notebooks, puzzles, and sports equipment.
In October 2005, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake devastated Pakistan, killing nearly 80,000 people and displacing millions. IMC has worked in Pakistan for more than 20 years, and since the earthquake has been providing much-needed health services to people in hard-hit Kaghan Valley.
Pakistan update June 27, 2006
IMC helps rebuild Pakistan's earthquake-ravaged Kaghan Valley
Nearly nine months after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake devastated Pakistan, killing nearly 80,000 people and displacing millions, survivors have returned to their villages and are starting to rebuild their lives. International Medical Corps has set up a base camp in the hard-hit Kaghan Valley to provide people in remote areas with vital health care services. IMC is also working with local communities to rehabilitate water and sanitation systems.
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IMC medical teams are assisting nearly 2,000 patients each week at a basic health unit in Kaghan Valley’s Ghari Habibullah camp. Medical teams are also treating survivors in nearby Ghanool, Hungrai, Kotgali, Jabri Kaleesh and Talhata, where a government basic health unit was destroyed. Patients are being treated for a number of serious conditions including acute respiratory infections, diarrhea and skin diseases.
In addition, IMC’s mental health teams are going door-to-door to help people deal with the trauma of the earthquake. People are still showing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other emotional disturbances. IMC recently held a two-day mental health workshop, training general practitioners to recognize and treat mental health symptoms.
Although IMC has been assisting people in many locations throughout the valley, landslides have prevented them from making daily trips to hard-to-reach villages. A government basic health unit in the remote village of Jaraid was destroyed during the earthquake, cutting off its 12,500 residents from necessary medical care. By establishing a base camp in Kaghan Valley, IMC has been able to reach people in Jaraid and other outlying areas.
Water and sanitation teams have had a difficult time reaching remote areas including in Kaghan and Jaraid. However, the centralized base camp has made it easier for teams to reach these villages. IMC is currently working with local communities to identify specific project sites where support is required. To date, IMC’s water and sanitation projects have benefited more than 93,000 people affected by the earthquake.
Pakistan update May 16, 2006
IMC distributes clothing, supplies to thousands in remote villages
Camp closures and harsh weather conditions continue to affect victims of the October 2005 earthquake. Poor roads, snow and landslides have hindered distribution of much-needed supplies and clothes. IMC teams, armed with donations from the National Ski Areas Association, have made difficult journeys to hard-to-reach camps to distribute these items to earthquake victims who are unable to return to their homes.
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“My mother and father have been in the hospital since the earthquake,” said 13-year-old Wisal who received winter clothes for his parents and sister. “They have broken arms and legs and cannot walk. These jackets are for them. My sister and I can use the sweaters when we return home to Kaghan.”
Jalal, a schoolboy wearing a pair of worn-out shoes, injured his foot, but had nothing to protect it. IMC was able to provide him with a pair of new shoes.
“It’s the first time I have had such a nice pair of shoes,” Jalal said. “Now, I will enjoy playing with my friends without worrying about stepping on stones.”
Fareed Shah’s house was destroyed and he has been living with his family in a single tent since the earthquake. An IMC team gave him an additional tent along with jackets, sweaters and sleeping bags for his family.
“I was praying for help and received it,” Fareed said. “I thank all of those people who helped me.”
Since the earthquake, IMC has provided primary healthcare, vaccinations, hygiene and cooking kits, mental health and psychosocial assistance, among other services, to tens of thousands of people. IMC continues to provide vital care to those most in need.
Pakistan update April 3, 2006
The Bassian camp in northern Pakistan was officially closed last week. Although the Turkish camp remains open, resources are limited due to the influx of people displaced by Bassian’s closure. IMC is helping people who do not have access to basic services in villages near the Bassian camp. A number of people in the Ghari Habibullah camp are returning to their villages, however those families who are most vulnerable have opted to stay.
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Heavy rains have been a challenge for the water and sanitation teams, but IMC is still building and improving water supply systems in Shamlai, Bansair, Khanda Mittikoat, Upper Sardaran and Morre Bafa Kalan.
IMC continues to donate hygiene kits, blankets and sets of kitchen utensils to people in Upper Mitikoat, Kali Mitikoat, and Khanda Mittikoat. Hygiene teams also started solid waste management programs in 14 locations including Kali Mittikoat, Lower Mittikoat, Eidgah and Khanda Mittikoat.
Pakistan update March 27, 2006
Villages Benefit From IMC’s Water and Sanitation Projects
In response to the upcoming government closure of tent villages on March 30, IMC continues to step up its efforts to complete water and sanitation projects and provide more medical assistance to the affected populations.
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IMC has completed a water and sanitation project in Eidgah Lal Banda and has identified two new project locations in Balakot. IMC also has established a Village Development Organization to oversee the training of community members as they work to repair their water systems. With IMC’s help, more people have access to clean water near their homes and no longer have to spend hours walking to sources.
“I am grateful to IMC for all of this. Now I don’t have to walk long distances to get water,” said third grade student Abid. “My cow and calf are happy and I just cannot believe I am drinking clean water close to my home!”
This past week, IMC established hygiene promotion programs in schools and has distributed more than 270 hygiene kits and 760 blankets. IMC also has organized three new mental health clinics.
Pakistan update March 20, 2006
IMC hygiene campaign benefits mothers and children
PHOTO: Muddassar Shah
As earthquake-affected populations brace for the government closure of tent villages on March 30, IMC continues to provide those in need with hygiene kits, medical services and shelter.
Children in upper Mittikoat receive IMC hygiene kits.
IMC continues to distribute hygiene kits and explain the importance of good hygiene to people in the camps. Naseema, a Muhalla Golzaran resident, talked about her experience with IMC’s good hygiene campaign.
“The women, who are mainly responsible for child care, cooking, and domestic work, were unaware of the importance of good hygiene, said Naseema. ”Women didn’t know that poor hygiene could cause disease. Before the awareness training we never washed our hands with soap after touching our livestock. We did not know that this could affect the health of our children and families. We are now aware of the importance of good hygiene and how it helps make us healthier.”
IMC also continues to provide regular immunization services through its fixed and mobile health facilities, assisting more than 5,000 patients last week and a total of 62,000 earthquake victims since the start of emergency operations. IMC plans to supply survivors with additional winterization material including sheets for rooftops. Last week, water/sanitation teams completed work at four locations and supplied pipes and materials to two new communities.
Pakistan update March 13, 2006
As Camp Closure Deadline Looms, IMC Steps Up Emergency Efforts
With the Pakistan government preparing to close tent villages on March 30, IMC is working to complete water and sanitation projects, and continues to provide medical services, shelter and supplies. The move by the government is aimed at encouraging earthquake victims to begin rebuilding their lives.
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Once completed, IMC’s comprehensive water and sanitation projects will benefit nearly 20,000 people. These projects will include hygiene education and solid waste management facilities along with the continued establishment of Village Development Organizations (VDO).
Meanwhile, Dr. Joseph Asare, IMC mental health specialist, has established community awareness meetings at Ghari Habibullah, Bassian and Turkish camps to increase awareness about mental health problems. This initiative aims to better educate people about mental illnesses and erase the stigma surrounding them.
Adequate shelter and supplies are still in great demand. Last week IMC teams distributed more than 1,700 hygiene kits and 380 blankets in the earthquake hit areas. IMC provided health and hygiene education to more than 1,200 people.
A 10-year-old boy named Naushad Ali, from Garlat village, is one of many being assisted. Having lost his father and three brothers, he was left to take care of his ailing mother and young sisters. Their house was destroyed and the family was housed in a tent village. “If I had not received these blankets, I don’t know how we would have survived the cold night.”
IMC also continues to offer regular immunization services through its fixed and mobile health facilities. Last week, IMC vaccinated nearly 800 people, 70% whom were children.
Pakistan update March 6, 2006
IMC Focuses on Water & Sanitation Projects
In response to the quickly approaching government closure of tent villages on March 30, IMC has increased its efforts to improve water and sanitation projects and provide adequate shelter to those most in need of assistance.
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Last week rains and landslides made it difficult for IMC water/sanitation teams to access some hard-hit areas. However, engineers were able to reach villagers and improve one project, benefiting nearly 3,500 people. In line with IMC’s core mission of building local capacity in all of its programs, a Village Development Organization has been organized by a refugee community in the region to take over the responsibility of sustaining this project. IMC teams are expected to complete more projects in 10 locations in the coming week, including extending water supply, sanitation, hygiene promotion, solid waste management and drainage services.
Providing people with adequate shelter and supplies is also a primary focus. IMC plans to donate more blankets to the affected populations. To date, IMC teams have distributed more than 7,600 blankets and 2,600 hygiene kits in the earthquake hit areas. However, there is still a need for winterization material and equipment including CGI sheets for rooftops.
Pakistan update February 27, 2006
IMC Focuses on Training and Awareness Programs to Aid Earthquake Survivors
Nearly five months after the deadly earthquake, tent villages, which have been home to millions, will be shut down at the end of March. Despite the uncertainty, the news has many looking forward to rebuilding their homes and getting their lives back on track. In response to this, IMC has stepped-up its water and sanitation and community development activities, focusing on rehabilitation while also continuing to provide immediate relief needs.
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Hygiene promotion and water/sanitation are primary focuses for IMC. Teams plan to extend services to 10 locations in earthquake-affected areas. To date they have trained nearly 150 community activists about disease prevention and waste management through community awareness programs. Although landslides, narrow access roads and broken bridges still present a problem for IMC’s wat/san teams to access certain areas, projects have been completed in two affected regions.
IMC has responded to the Public Health and Engineering Department’s request to support restoration of the water supply system and is looking into extending its support to other locations. This will help 500 people regain access to water.
Mental Health training is also a priority for IMC and teams plan to run intensive community-training initiatives in March. Fifty community members will learn how to provide round-the-clock community-based coverage to patients in the region.
Pakistan update February 21, 2006
IMC treats more than 41,000 since earthquake
Local populations continue to be at risk from cold temperatures, rain and snow and a rise in the number of acute respiratory infections is noticeable. More than 40% of patients seen by IMC doctors last week were treated for ARI. This week, mobile units visited areas including Sarash, Mang, Kamrian, Qals, upper and lower Mitikoat, Banda Balola, Jabrah, Dumgala and Patlang.
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IMC continues to distribute cooking sets, hygiene kits, blankets and other winterization materials - in addition to providing primary health care, including comprehensive vaccination campaigns. Vaccination services were provided to 259 individuals for numerous diseases including polio, diphtheria, tetanus and measles. The Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation manual has been translated into Urdu, the national language, and delivered to the community activists during hygiene promotion training.
Water/sanitation activities are still a primary focus for IMC. Teams are constantly challenged by problems like landslides, narrow roads and broken bridges as they try to assist people and deliver materials to remote areas. However, water/sanitation activities are nearly complete in upper Mittikoat and Kanda Mitikoat; work is in progress at Eidgah tal Banda, Lower Mitti Kot, Kali Mitti, Naka Bahadur, Upper Sardaran Junghri, Shamlai, and Bansair. IMC is implementing its wat/san programs with a cash-for-work program for local populations.
Mental health is a priority for IMC and its team continues to assist patients by providing group and individual therapy. IMC also provides training to primary health care staff.
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Pakistan update February 13, 2006
IMC treats more than 36,000 since earthquake
The winter weather continues to put local populations at risk, exacerbating the incidence of acute respiratory infections. This week IMC treated nearly 4,000 people, bringing the total number treated to more than 36,000 since the earthquake. While ARI cases are on the rise, trauma cases have decreased.
In addition to primary health care, including comprehensive vaccination campaigns, IMC continues to distribute cooking sets, hygiene kits, blankets and other winterization materials.
Water/sanitation activities continue to be a primary focus for IMC. Village Development Organizations have been formed at Eid Gah Tal Banda, Lower Matikoat, Kali Mitti, Shamlai and Bansir while wat/san materials have been supplied to upper Matikoat and Kand Matikoat area of Tehsil Balakot. In addition, new locations are continually being identified.
Mental health needs continue be met with group and individual therapy. Doctors and other health care providers are being trained to incorporate mental health into their regular activities. Training areas include identification, counseling and referral of mental health patients.
Pakistan update February 6, 2006
Adequate shelter continues to be a vital need for earthquake survivors. IMC has plans to distribute more blankets to the affected populations, but more winterization materials, like corrugated metal rooftops, are needed. The rain, snow and cold weather have brought about an increased number of acute respiratory infections, which is the primary illness seen by IMC doctors.
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To maximize effectiveness, IMC continues to provide comprehensive training on ARI management at Balakot. Fourteen participants including medical and paramedical staff will attend training this week.
IMC mobile medical teams visited areas including Sarash, Kandriala, Mang, Qals, upper and lower Matikoat, Jabrah and Batorah. Very remote, the IMC medical team was the first to access the lower Matikoat area, where vaccination services were provided to 83 children and 36 women.
Mental health
IMC medical staff continues to assist and/or refer patients in need of psychosocial assistance to the mental health staff. This week, IMC psychologists assisted patients with symptoms of depression in Ghari Habibullah and Bassian and group therapy was arranged for children there. Ranging from three to 11 years old, these children have been badly affected by the mental health problems of their parents. Some who had a history of mental health problems have seen complications following the earthquake. The children, including 11 orphans, are being encouraged through various group therapy activities and follow-up visits when necessary.
IMC mental health staff continues to provide training to 23 doctors and 25 other health care providers, covering areas such as identification, counseling and referral of mental health patients, as well as interview methods on how to take personal and family history. The training also includes general principles of assisting psychiatric patients and the importance of empathetic dealing and reflexive listening.
Water & sanitation
Water and sanitation activities are in full swing, and IMC will soon be implementing activities in Kand Matikoat, upper Matikoat, lower Matikoat and Kali Mitti of Tehsil Balakot. IMC’s public participation approach will ensure proactive support from the community in the implementation process. Village development organizations and water supply sub-committees have been organized at the grassroots level in these villages, which will contribute towards better, more effective involvement of each community, ensuring success.
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IMC trucked water to the Kawai camp, where 131 hygiene kits were distributed, and started water-sanitation activities in Eid Gah Talband in Mansehra, where 600 people will directly benefit. IMC provided health and hygiene education to 1,146 individuals in Bassian, Ghari Habibullah, Turkish camp and out-reach areas. The training was delivered through a total of 92 sessions. In addition, IMC will help supply clean water to the government hospital in Balakot by providing 1000-feet of piping with the help of the Public Health Engineering Department.
Pakistan update January 30, 2006
Cold and snow still a factor for aid workers, local populations
Nearly four months after the deadly earthquake in Pakistan, aid workers struggle to get necessary care to those in hard to reach villages, often traveling on foot through several feet of snow to deliver medical care. More rain and snow are expected, creating an increasing need for winterization material and equipment.
Snow and landslides made it very difficult for vehicle travel, and IMC staff had to walk for an hour to reach villages in the Jabrah and Matikoat areas, where they assisted more than 200 patients. These areas remain underserved but IMC continues to provide primary health care to the affected populations there.
IMC conducted water & sanitation needs assessments in Battagram, Balakot and Mansehra and is coordinating with partners to further prioritize projects based on emergency needs. Water/Sanitation teams also visited more than 13 sites identified by the Public Health Engineering Department and the Tehsil Municipal Administration. IMC plans to intervene in five priority sites in Upper Matikoat, Kand Matikoat, Lower Matikoat, Kali Mitti and Eid-Gah in Tal-Banda, covering a population of 10,000.
IMC staff continues to assist patients with psychosocial complications. Mental health activities, including group, individual and play therapy, were organized at the Bassian and Ghari Habibullah camps. IMC continues to deliver immunizations, maternal-child health care, emergency medical services and primary health care, treating over 4,000 people through its fixed and mobile clinics this week alone, bringing the total served since the earthquake to almost 28,000.
Pakistan update January 23, 2006
While a temporary reprieve from heavy rain and snow has provided some relief, temperatures continue to dip below freezing in northern parts of Pakistan and quake survivors remain vulnerable.
This week IMC assisted close to 3,000 people through its fixed and mobile clinics, initiating immunization campaigns, mental-health treatment and training, and other essential services. Its medical teams visited areas including Sarash village, Jabrah village, Kamrian village, Toheedabad and Damgala village. Three feet of snow in Jabrah village required caregivers to walk to reach various small settlements in nearby areas.
Urgent Needs Due to Weather
The on-going wave of cold and recent snow continues to deteriorate the situation and the need for assistance is great. There is an increasing requirement for winterization materials and equipment including corrugated metal sheets for rooftops. IMC continues to assist and identify needs of vulnerable populations in the affected areas.
Water & Sanitation
IMC’s water supply project will assist more than 6,000 people in Matikoat area, where it is rehabilitating the devastated water supply channels to the household level. Water sanitation teams will work on five different projects to improve water supply, sanitation, drainage and solid waste removal. IMC will distribute hygiene kits in areas where these initiatives are to be started.
Mental Health
IMC staff continues to assist patients with psychosocial needs. Training from Dr. Lynne Jones, IMC’s Mental Health Specialist, is gradually contributing to local staff capacities. Mental health clinics currently take place at Bassian on Thursday mornings and Kashtri camp on Tuesdays and a clinic in the Turkish camp will soon be operating. The clinics are supported by a national psychologist, who conducts home visits and individual counseling for those requiring more intensive psychological support. Psychosocial complications include bereavement, adjustment disorder, night terrors, arthritis, behavior change, depression and chronic mental anomalies.
IMC services include group and individual therapy and play therapy. IMC continues to facilitate training for primary health workers on the integration of mental healthcare into their clinical and public health practice. This consists of a weekly theoretical training seminar and on the job supervision. Discussions are underway to make this training available to a wider group of government employed health workers in cooperation with national psychiatrists and other NGOs.
Pakistan Update January 17, 2006
A fresh wave of rain and snowstorms, along with record cold temperatures have worsened conditions for already devastated populations in the earthquake-affected areas. Those living in tents—particularly women, children and the elderly—are highly vulnerable. The national metrological department has forecast more heavy snow in the earthquake zone over the next few days, which will lead to blocked roads and could possibly trigger avalanches and landslides in high mountain areas.
Despite the conditions, International Medical Corps teams continue to reach out to those in need. IMC’s Basic Health Unit facilities in Bassian and Ghari Habibullah have been assisting patients during the Eid holiday, and will continue in the days ahead. Outreach teams are accessing badly affected areas, including Qals, Sarash, and Mang, where our doctors have established medical camps in the snow.
There is an urgent need for winterization material and equipment including corrugated metal sheets for rooftops. IMC is identifying winterization needs of vulnerable populations in Battagam, Pashtu, Maira camp, Hangrai, Bana, Tandol and Ghari Habibullah camp.
As patients, particularly children with acute respiratory infection, continue to form a large number of those assisted, IMC will carry out training to further improve capacities of its medical and paramedical staff in ARI management in children. This has been coordinated with the World Health Organization and participants from partner agencies will also attend and benefit through this training initiative.
IMC’s fixed and mobile clinics have treated more than 20,000 patients since t he start of earthquake emergency operations.
Pakistan update January 9, 2006
While relief flights to some regions have resumed, icy temperatures continue to pose a threat to earthquake survivors and create challenges for relief workers. By some reports, Pakistan is under the grip of the worst cold spell in 35 years, which is expected to last a few more days in remote mountain areas where the effects of the October 8, 2005 earthquake have been felt most severely.
IMC continues to reach people through our mobile and fixed clinics, with nearly 2,500 people being treated last week alone. A new water and sanitation program will begin soon, with the first of five employees arriving today. IMC’s water supply scheme will assist more than 800 people in Peshora, where it is rehabilitating the devastated water supply channels from the source to the household level as well as providing hand pumps where needed.
IMC also provided lavatory slabs to assist 800 people in Qals area and a needs assessment survey was completed in Qals along with about 40 spontaneous camps in Mansehra, Siran valley and Balakot.
Additional funds were secured to implement psychosocial and basic health care activities. With the first phase of mental health training completed, IMC staff continues to assist patients with psycho-social needs at its fixed and mobile health units. The second phase of training, conducted by IMC’s roving mental health specialist, Dr. Lynne Jones, will begin soon.
While IMC was able to distribute 3,000 blankets last week, the drop in temperatures has put children and the elderly at risk. There is a tremendous need for more support in winterization of tents, alternative shelter, warm rooms, clearing debris for reconstruction and rebuilding, and water and sanitation projects.
Pakistan update January 3, 2006
With relief flights suspended for the third straight day due to heavy snow and icy conditions, it is even more critical to reach earthquake survivors. “We feel we’re in a race against time,” said Nancy Aossey, president & CEO of International Medical Corps, on CNN. “Thousands of people are exposed to the elements, especially those living in remote villages outside the hardest hit areas.”
Despite the conditions, IMC continues to deliver care. This week alone, IMC treated over 2,500 people. “We’re going by car, by donkey, by helicopter, by foot, trying to get health services to those people living out in the winter elements,” said Aossey. IMC medical teams visited multiple areas including Dosti camp, Dharra, Khati, and Jalalabad tent villages in Ogi, Al-Hussaini tent village in Mansehra, Muslim-hands tent village in Atar Shesha; Banda Sahib Khan and Goharabad tent villages in Havellian; and Sarash village and Banda Balola in Balakot. Teams also visited villages in union council Boi.
“Often the people who survive the first tragedy, the earthquake itself, and are fortunate enough to survive the injuries that come with an earthquake like that, can often die just from common diseases, in fact, vaccine preventable diseases,” said Aossey. “International Medical Corps has been working very closely with other organizations and with Pakistani health authorities to implement vaccine programs for women and for children and to provide primary health care services to people, many of whom are homeless, they don’t have parents, they don’t have coping mechanisms that one would normally have to survive a winter,” Aossey continued.
This week IMC identified a T urkish camp in Balakot for health services in coordination with the World Health Organization. IMC teams will visit the camp on a daily basis and will continue to coordinate with Pakistan Army and WHO to identify and access more areas, where its services are needed.
“They don’t have enough blankets, they don’t have enough clean water, they’re living in areas that are just difficult to reach,” Aossey said. Since the October 8, 2005 earthquake, IMC has treated over 16,000 people, but with nearly four million people living outside their homes, 400,000 estimated to be children, the need continues to be great.
Pakistan Update: December 27, 2005
As temperatures dip into the low teens at night in Pakistan’s earthquake-devastated regions, winter conditions continue to mount significant challenges to ongoing relief efforts. IMC is expanding its mobile outreach efforts to access remote areas including Shamori, Batora, Mori, Kamriala, Garlat, Banda Balola, Jaagir, Sarash, Saran, and the Al-Hussaani tent village. In the past two weeks IMC has assisted approximately 4,000 earthquake survivors through both its fixed and mobile clinic services, and has treated a total of almost 14,000 individuals since the earthquake struck on October 8th.
In addition to addressing the medical needs of earthquake survivors, IMC’s roving mental health specialist, Dr. Lynne Jones, is implementing a comprehensive mental health care program to help victims of the disaster cope with the enormous emotional losses suffered in the quake. Dr. Jones is organizing training programs for local health care workers to help integrate mental health into primary health care services.
IMC has helped thwart outbreaks of measles epidemics in both the Ghari Habibullah and Bessian camps by successfully immunizing 92% of the vulnerable populations in both camps. IMC has prevented outbreaks among residents by providing immediate treatment for new cases as soon as they are detected. A large percentage of patients seen at IMC clinics require treatment for acute respiratory infections resulting from exposure to severe winter weather.
In addition to providing measles vaccinations, IMC is also immunizing residents against tetanus, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis and other infectious diseases – vaccinating approximately 1,000 people over the last 2 weeks.
IMC has provided a sufficient number of female doctors and medical support staff at both Bessian and Ghari Habibullah camps to assist infants, children and pregnant women with services including antenatal and reproductive health care, nutritional support and health and hygiene education. IMC staff are also assisting patients with temporary or permanent disabilities, providing referrals for those in need to various local hospitals.
IMC will soon launch a comprehensive water and sanitation program in Tehsil Battagram, including the provision of clean water, solid waste management and drainage facilities.
Provisions including winterized tents are urgently needed to help residents survive the next several months of brutal winter – especially for those most vulnerable to exposure including infants, the elderly, the ill and the injured.
Pakistan update December 23, 2005
As IMC continues to provide comprehensive health care in Pakistan, its roving mental health specialist, Dr. Lynne Jones, is integrating mental health care into IMC’s clinical and public health practice.
Through IMC’s programs, primary health care teams will learn how to identify and treat moderate mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, stress disorders and unexplained medical complaints. They will be trained how to recognize and provide immediate care for acute mental disorders as well as to manage the care of the long-term mentally ill.
Community education on mental health is an important component of the program, which focuses on reducing the stigma of mental disorders as well as providing culturally-sensitive education on substance abuse, grief and fear.
Mental health training has started with the same workshops being offered twice a week, giving everyone the opportunity to participate. This week’s workshop was an introduction to mental health with 26 people attending.
Mental health/psycho-social programs were created for health volunteers in Bessian camp, where women and adolescent girls were identified as being most vulnerable. IMC will enlist the help of local female psychologists who will be attached to a camp but also available to the mobile teams.
IMC now has two Primary Health Care teams conducting fixed clinics at the Bessian and Kashtri camps, reaching about 5,000 people. Mobile outreach clinics are serving 35,000 earthquake survivors. IMC also has three mobile teams that are in the process of establishing clinics in more remote areas.
Pakistan Update December 21, 2005
IMC’s roving mental health specialist, Dr. Lynne Jones, has arrived in Pakistan to implement a comprehensive mental health care program for earthquake survivors. A child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Jones will conduct mental health evaluations and establish psychosocial activities to assist survivors with the recovery process.
Dr. Jones has expertise in establishing community-based mental health services worldwide. She has worked in post-tsunami Indonesia and Sri Lanka and most recently in New Orleans with hurricane Katrina survivors. Dr. Jones will help integrate mental health care into primary health care services. Psychosocial activities will emphasize traditional cultural practices such as mourning; normalization activities including education and recreation for children; purposeful activities for adults; and the dissemination of public health information as to the normal stress response.
Pakistan Update December 12, 2005
As temperatures plummet, IMC continues to provide critical health care needs to the displaced populations in the earthquake affected areas and is expanding outreach efforts in hard-to-reach locations. Over the weekend two IMC mobile teams provided out-patient services including immunization for measles, tetanus, polio, and diphtheria, in the Kahi and Sarash Villages. After extensive immunizations last week, no cases of measles have been reported, and patients who previously received treatment are showing improvement.
IMC teams are visiting the Kahi and Sarash Villages again on Tuesday, where they will stay in location overnight. Northwest of Balakot, these villages have a combined population of approximately 3,200 people. Due to difficult road conditions, IMC will use military assistance to get there. The Pakistan military will also inform the population in surrounding villages of IMC’s presence so we anticipate a substantial increase in patients.
IMC staff members continue to assist patients with trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, including trauma-related depression. Medication for post-traumatic depression is available and prescribed for patients in need. IMC plans to implement a comprehensive psychosocial initiative in the near future.
Temperatures in Ghari Habibullah and Bessian drop to unbearable levels at night, leaving infants, elderly, ill and injured individuals at risk. Available tents do not support basic survival requirements. Corrugated sheets are needed to protect families against the cold; IMC has distributed blankets, jerry cans, cooking sets, and hygiene kits to help survivors against hunger, hypothermia and disease in harsh temperatures. Around 600 hygiene kits have been distributed by IMC in Ghari Habibullah.
IMC has treated more than 10,000 patients since the deadly earthquake struck.
Update: December 6, 2005
With brutal winter weather now engulfing Pakistan’s earthquake affected areas, IMC continues to provide critically needed medical assistance through its fixed clinics in Bessian and Ghari Habibullah, including delivering measles immunizations to hundreds of children living in crowded camps to prevent a potential epidemic. After identifying several cases of measles last month in Ghari Habibullah and Hassamabad, IMC launched extensive immunization campaigns, successfully vaccinating all children under the age of five.
IMC is conducting helicopter outreach to remote Himalayan villages to provide medical care to populations still lacking assistance. Through IMC’s mobile clinic services, hundreds of patients have been treated or relocated for additional care. At both spontaneous and government-organized tent villages, IMC has provided emergency, primary care and referral services to more than 8,000 people since the October 8 quake – treating approximately 1,000 patients per week.
Some of the medical problems that have arisen in the wake of the earthquake and the ensuing severe weather include acute respiratory infections (especially among children), diarrhea, skin and wound infections, dysentery, urinary tract infections, worm infestations, fractures, and trauma injuries. IMC’s primary care activities also include: pre- and post-natal care; growth monitoring; and laboratory and pharmacy services. IMC medical teams are helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases by providing health and hygiene education to those living in crowded camps.
IMC staff at tent clinics in Bessian and Ghari Habibullah include appropriate numbers of female medical doctors and support staff to care for pregnant women, children and infants. Several women in labor have received emergency care and have been relocated to receive inpatient hospital services. IMC staff are identifying and assisting infants who have lost their mothers while also focusing on growth monitoring for all newborn infants in the tent villages and surrounding areas.
IMC also is assisting patients with temporary or permanent disabilities, providing follow up and support care as necessary.
IMC is providing large jerry can containers to displaced households to enable them to access and store clean, chlorinated water on a daily basis. IMC has helped construct latrine facilities at each of the tent villages while staff members reinforce the importance of safe hygiene practices through education and awareness campaigns.
To help displaced populations fight hunger, hypothermia and disease in the midst of a harsh and bitter winter, IMC continues to distribute blankets, cooking sets, and hygiene kits to residents of tent villages. A cold wave followed by heavy rains and snow are in the forecast for the near future, making conditions ripe for even more severe weather-related illnesses. IMC is facing daunting logistical challenges as it continues to access remote regions of the Himalayas to deliver lifesaving aid.
IMC Awarded $1.8 Million for Water and Sanitation Programs
IMC is being awarded a $1.8 million grant by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance to support water and sanitation (watsan) projects in North West Frontier Province of Pakistan.
The project, which is estimated to take six months to implement, will improve living conditions and reduce risk of disease by providing essential watsan services and other environmental interventions to ten large displacement camps and/or urban areas and 90 affected communities and population clusters in the earthquake-affected areas of NWFP.
Coordinated from IMC’s offices in Mansehra and Peshawar, staff will work closely with UNICEF, the lead water, environment and sanitation agency in the area, to identify the priority needs and service gaps in large displacement camps, urban and more rural areas. Based on these needs assessments, staff and volunteers will provide facilities and supplies to collect, store and use water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene as well as materials for adequate sanitation. By using community mobilization and Cash-For-Work activities, IMC will help the most vulnerable families whose livelihoods have been destroyed, while improving the physical conditions in camps and communities.
IMC estimates that 95,000 people in disaster-affected areas of NWFP will directly benefit from the program.
UPDATE: November 30, 2005
Providing urgent medical assistance
An IMC mobile health team was recently airlifted by the Pakistan Army to the isolated Kaghan/Naran Valley (altitude above 7,000 feet) where more than 60,000 residents living above the snow line have been in urgent need of shelter and medical assistance. The team established a clinic at a local school in Manur-Balasari and immediately began providing services for a cluster of villages with an estimated population of 20,000. In less than two days, IMC treated over 400 patients who have been without health care since the October 8th earthquake. With the army’s continued assistance, the mobile team will establish a regular clinic schedule for this underserved area.
With more than 80 relief workers providing emergency relief—and more currently being deployed—IMC’s outreach efforts have significantly expanded beyond its two fixed clinics in Bessian and Ghari Habibullah to reach stranded communities and spontaneous camps in surrounding mountainous areas. IMC is also facilitating the relocation of those needing specialized care. More than 300 individuals have been referred to secondary health care facilities in Balakot and Ghari Habibullah, while those needing inpatient care have been transferred to hospitals in Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Islamabad.
Assessing needs
IMC is working with the Pakistan Department of Health, WHO, UNICEF and local partners to conduct assessments of medical needs in the districts of Batagram, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. IMC will continue to provide care and assess the needs of those living in the Allai Valley and surrounding villages, where the majority of the region’s 100,000 residents urgently need shelter or winterized tents and many may require help in moving to lower areas.
IMC is preparing two of its fixed clinics to sustain the winter months by securing plastic covers; building trenches; obtaining adequate thermal protection for staff and patients; and ensuring proper heating for the clinics. IMC will also obtain more four-wheel drive vehicles in order to navigate hazardous winter roads.
Providing emergency shelter
With the arrival of the fierce Himalayan winter, time is running out to provide emergency shelter for earthquake-affected populations at risk of death from exposure. IMC plans to participate in a coordinated effort to provide emergency shelter assistance to at least 3,800 affected families, focusing on single parent or female-headed households. Because winterized tents are in short supply and are not appropriate for all circumstances, IMC will help residents who stay at higher altitudes build adequate housing to survive the winter months. IMC will implement cash-for-work programs where residents will use corrugated galvanized iron sheeting, plastic sheeting and salvaged debris to construct appropriate winter shelter. IMC is procuring and will distribute additional “shelter kit” items for those living at higher elevations including mattresses, blankets, stoves, warm clothes, cooking sets, and water containers.
Addressing water-sanitation needs
With a high proportion of those impacted by the earthquake lacking access to clean water and living in crowded, unsanitary conditions, emergency water and sanitation services are critically needed to prevent widespread epidemics of infectious diseases. Working with local and international partners, IMC has identified an urgent need for at least ten water and sanitation projects in earthquake-affected areas – especially in the spontaneous tent villages housing thousands of displaced survivors.
