Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res (MSF) urges that its cargo planes carrying essential medical and surgical material be allowed to land in Port-au-Prince in order to treat thousands of wounded waiting for vital surgical operations. Priority must be given immediately to planes carrying lifesaving equipment and medical personnel.
Despite guarantees, given by the United Nations and the US Defense Department, an MSF cargo plane carrying an inflatable surgical hospital was blocked from landing in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, and was re-routed to Samana, in Dominican Republic. All material from the cargo is now being sent by truck from Samana, but this has added a 24-hour delay for the arrival of the hospital.
A second MSF plane is currently on its way and scheduled to land today in Port- au-Prince at around 10 am local time with additional lifesaving medical material and the rest of the equipment for the hospital. If this plane is also rerouted then the installation of the hospital will be further delayed, in a situation where thousands of wounded are still in need of life saving treatment.
The inflatable hospital includes 2 operating theaters, an intensive care unit, 100-bed hospitalization capacity, an emergency room and all the necessary equipment needed for sterilizing material.
MSF teams are currently working around the clock in 5 different hospitals in Port-au-Prince, but only 2 operating theaters are fully functional, while a third operating theater has been improvised for minor surgery due to the massive influx of wounded and lack of functional referral structures.
Source
Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res
пятница, 27 мая 2011 г.
четверг, 26 мая 2011 г.
Statement By Executive Director Ann M. Veneman Concerning The Situation Of Children In Sudan
"The recent escalation of fighting in West Darfur has added to the hardships and dangers faced by children and women in the region. Efforts to provide urgent assistance to children and women in dire need are hampered by the violence, and further displacement of civilian populations puts even greater pressure on camps that are already over-crowded.
"Wherever possible, UNICEF and its partners are providing urgent medical supplies, blankets, jerry cans and plastic sheeting, and treating and restoring water supplies in communities that have been attacked and in areas where displaced populations are now gathering.
"If children's urgent needs are to be met, humanitarian agencies need unrestricted access to affected areas, while the parties to the conflict must exercise restraint to prevent further mass displacements and allow people to return to their homes, and fully respect international conventions on the protection of children during armed conflict.
"For the sake of Darfur's children, UNICEF joins with the UN Secretary-General and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in calling for a cessation of hostilities."
unicef
"Wherever possible, UNICEF and its partners are providing urgent medical supplies, blankets, jerry cans and plastic sheeting, and treating and restoring water supplies in communities that have been attacked and in areas where displaced populations are now gathering.
"If children's urgent needs are to be met, humanitarian agencies need unrestricted access to affected areas, while the parties to the conflict must exercise restraint to prevent further mass displacements and allow people to return to their homes, and fully respect international conventions on the protection of children during armed conflict.
"For the sake of Darfur's children, UNICEF joins with the UN Secretary-General and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in calling for a cessation of hostilities."
unicef
среда, 25 мая 2011 г.
Aid Workers In Honduras Assisted By Satellites
Humanitarian aid workers responding to devastating flooding in Honduras have received assistance from space, with satellite images of affected areas provided rapidly following activation of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced and 33 lives have been claimed by floods and landslides brought on by a tropical depression that hit the Central American country on 16 October.
On 27 October, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) asked the International Charter on 'Space and Major Disasters', referred to as 'The Charter', for support. Satellite images of the area acquired by ESA's Envisat were delivered the same day.
The Charter, founded in October 2000 by ESA, the French Space Agency (CNES) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), works to provide satellite data free of charge to those affected by disasters anywhere in the world.
With inundated areas typically visible from space, Earth Observation (EO) is increasingly being used for flood response and mitigation. One of the biggest problems during flooding emergencies is obtaining an overall view of the phenomenon, with a clear idea of the extent of the flooded area.
The crisis image of the Cortes Department, one of the hardest hit areas, is comprised of two Envisat radar images - one acquired on 25 October and one on 20 September that was used as a reference.
The flooding is being compared to the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch, which killed about 6 000 people when it ripped through Honduras a decade ago. Overall, Mitch claimed more than 10 000 lives across Central America.
In the wake of Hurricane Mitch, ESA, CNES and Spot Image worked to provide rapid and accurate EO-based maps of the area to emergency response teams. The reaction by the space community to the impact of Mitch is considered a precursor to the Charter.
Today, the Charter has 10 members, including ESA, CNES, CSA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Argentine Space Agency (CONAE), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the British National Space Centre/Disaster Monitoring Constellation (BNSC/DMC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Source: Mariangela D'Acunto
European Space Agency
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced and 33 lives have been claimed by floods and landslides brought on by a tropical depression that hit the Central American country on 16 October.
On 27 October, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) asked the International Charter on 'Space and Major Disasters', referred to as 'The Charter', for support. Satellite images of the area acquired by ESA's Envisat were delivered the same day.
The Charter, founded in October 2000 by ESA, the French Space Agency (CNES) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), works to provide satellite data free of charge to those affected by disasters anywhere in the world.
With inundated areas typically visible from space, Earth Observation (EO) is increasingly being used for flood response and mitigation. One of the biggest problems during flooding emergencies is obtaining an overall view of the phenomenon, with a clear idea of the extent of the flooded area.
The crisis image of the Cortes Department, one of the hardest hit areas, is comprised of two Envisat radar images - one acquired on 25 October and one on 20 September that was used as a reference.
The flooding is being compared to the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch, which killed about 6 000 people when it ripped through Honduras a decade ago. Overall, Mitch claimed more than 10 000 lives across Central America.
In the wake of Hurricane Mitch, ESA, CNES and Spot Image worked to provide rapid and accurate EO-based maps of the area to emergency response teams. The reaction by the space community to the impact of Mitch is considered a precursor to the Charter.
Today, the Charter has 10 members, including ESA, CNES, CSA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Argentine Space Agency (CONAE), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the British National Space Centre/Disaster Monitoring Constellation (BNSC/DMC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Source: Mariangela D'Acunto
European Space Agency
вторник, 24 мая 2011 г.
Urgent Assistance Needed To Help Haitian Children Affected By The Hurricanes, Says UNICEF
Urgent assistance is needed to bring life-saving help to children in Haiti affected by the four successive hurricanes. According to the Government of Haiti, an estimated 300,000 children are in need of aid throughout the country.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, actress Mia Farrow, traveled to Haiti to visit the devastated city of Gonaives and to talk to the families whose houses and livelihoods were washed away with the rains. "The people here need more food and water," said Farrow after visiting three different shelters in the city. "The children and the families I have spoken with are hungry and thirsty," said Farrow, who also met with families who had taken shelter in the church. "They need so much more help from the international community and they need it now."
An inter-agency appeal for $107 million, of which UNICEF is requesting $6 million, was launched on 10th September. To date, just over three per cent of the funds have been raised against the appeal. UNICEF has already provided over 120,000 liters of water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, blankets, therapeutic milk, high energy food supplement, and other relief supplies.
"The devastation in Gonaives reminds me of the Tsunami when I was in Aceh, except that this time there is so much mud everywhere that it is hard to see how the people will get rid of it," said Nigel Fisher, President of UNICEF Canada, who was accompanying Farrow in Gonaives.
Relief operations are moving towards the post-disaster recovery activities, but pressing humanitarian needs are yet to be met. Entire parts of the country remain inaccessible by road due to landslides and collapsed bridges. The dispatch of humanitarian supplies relies on costly sea and air transportation.
Over 400 schools were damaged by the natural disaster and many more are being used as shelter. Children are expected to return to school on 6 October, and UNICEF assistance will contribute towards creating favorable conditions for the displaced population to return to their homes and vacate the schools. UNICEF will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to help ensure that children return to school on time.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
UNICEF
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, actress Mia Farrow, traveled to Haiti to visit the devastated city of Gonaives and to talk to the families whose houses and livelihoods were washed away with the rains. "The people here need more food and water," said Farrow after visiting three different shelters in the city. "The children and the families I have spoken with are hungry and thirsty," said Farrow, who also met with families who had taken shelter in the church. "They need so much more help from the international community and they need it now."
An inter-agency appeal for $107 million, of which UNICEF is requesting $6 million, was launched on 10th September. To date, just over three per cent of the funds have been raised against the appeal. UNICEF has already provided over 120,000 liters of water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, blankets, therapeutic milk, high energy food supplement, and other relief supplies.
"The devastation in Gonaives reminds me of the Tsunami when I was in Aceh, except that this time there is so much mud everywhere that it is hard to see how the people will get rid of it," said Nigel Fisher, President of UNICEF Canada, who was accompanying Farrow in Gonaives.
Relief operations are moving towards the post-disaster recovery activities, but pressing humanitarian needs are yet to be met. Entire parts of the country remain inaccessible by road due to landslides and collapsed bridges. The dispatch of humanitarian supplies relies on costly sea and air transportation.
Over 400 schools were damaged by the natural disaster and many more are being used as shelter. Children are expected to return to school on 6 October, and UNICEF assistance will contribute towards creating favorable conditions for the displaced population to return to their homes and vacate the schools. UNICEF will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to help ensure that children return to school on time.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
UNICEF
понедельник, 23 мая 2011 г.
President Bush Restates Opposition to Doubling Aid to Africa in Advance of G8 Meeting
President Bush on Wednesday restated his opposition to doubling the United States' financial aid commitment to Africa in advance of the Group of Eight industrialized nations meeting in Scotland next month, the... New York Times reports. Bush was meeting with South African President Thabo Mbeki at the White House as part of Mbeki's two-week campaign to speak with G8 leaders about Britain's proposed International Finance Facility, which would frontload development aid to help Africa meet the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (Becker/Sanger, New York Times, 6/2). U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown at a February meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations proposed increasing aid to developing nations to $100 billion annually through the finance facility. Brown has said that more than 50 countries have expressed support for the initiative, although the United States so far has failed to fully endorse the plan. Although the Bush administration supports 100% debt cancellation for the world's poorest countries, the United States does not support the U.K. plan to raise funds for poverty alleviation, according to U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John Taylor (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 4/18). During Wednesday's meeting, Bush said that doubling the U.S. contribution to Africa "doesn't fit our budgetary process." Mbeki -- who is urging wealthy nations to "choose their own ways to help" Africa -- said that the European Union is considering a new tax to finance Britain's initiative. "I am absolutely certain President Bush is willing to commit whatever is required," he added. However, because British Prime Minister Tony Blair has received opposition over the plan from Germany and Italy, Bush's opposition could "doom the effort" at the G8 meeting in July, according to the Times (New York Times, 6/2).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/hiv.. The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/hiv.. The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
воскресенье, 22 мая 2011 г.
UNICEF Ready To Assist Children Affected By Floods In Colombia, Panama And Venezuela
UNICEF today said the children's agency is poised to support children and their families affected by the floods that are driving thousands of people from their homes in Colombia, Panama and Venezuela.
The agency would work as part of the United Nations Country teams.
The May-November rainy season in the region has been extremely severe this year as a result of a climatic phenomenon known as La Ni?±a.
UNICEF is ready to support the governments of Colombia, Panama and Venezuela to meet the needs of affected children and families, to provide lifesaving supplies and to protect the children's rights to health, nutrition, protection and education.
Source:
UNICEF
The agency would work as part of the United Nations Country teams.
The May-November rainy season in the region has been extremely severe this year as a result of a climatic phenomenon known as La Ni?±a.
UNICEF is ready to support the governments of Colombia, Panama and Venezuela to meet the needs of affected children and families, to provide lifesaving supplies and to protect the children's rights to health, nutrition, protection and education.
Source:
UNICEF
суббота, 21 мая 2011 г.
USAID Fights Neglected Tropical Diseases
On February 20, 2008,
President Bush challenged the world to reduce and eventually control and
eliminate the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a major
threat to health and economic growth in the developing world. The new
Presidential Initiative for NTD Control will increase the United States'
commitment to NTDs from $15 million in 2008 to a total of $350 million over
five years. These funds will provide integrated treatment to more than 300
million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, the new
initiative will expand the targeted number of countries from 10 in 2008 to
approximately 30 by 2013.
The initiative will build on U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) investments in NTDs control and will target seven major diseases:
lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); schistosomiasis (snail fever);
trachoma (eye infection); onchocerciasis (river blindness); and three
soil-transmitted helminthes (hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm).
Approximately one billion people, mostly in the developing world,
suffer from one or more NTDs. Seven of these diseases - the seven targeted
by the new initiative - can be controlled and even eliminated through
targeted mass drug administration. Most of these diseases either blind,
deform, or debilitate their victims. In addition, they can contribute to
limited school enrollment, diminished childhood growth and cognitive
development, and reduced economic productivity in adults. Treating the
millions of people who suffer from NTDs will help to change these negative
effects and to improve not only personal health, but also economic growth
at large.
USAID's Commitment to Fighting NTDs
USAID began an integrated NTD control program in 2006, focusing
initially on five countries in Africa - Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger,
and Uganda. In its first year of implementation, this program delivered
more than 35 million NTD treatments to more than 14 million people. The
program is now expanding to Haiti, Sierra Leone, and southern Sudan, and at
least two additional countries will be added in 2008. USAID has invested
$30 million to date in this NTD control program.
Key Partnerships
Most drugs needed to treat NTDs have been donated by pharmaceutical
companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Pfizer.
These donations are valued at hundreds of millions of dollars each year,
and may reduce the estimated cost for other program components to between
40 cents and slightly more than one dollar per person, per year in
Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to the pharmaceutical industry, USAID works closely with
the Ministries of Health in each country and key international partners who
are leading efforts in NTD control.
The United States will further enhance efficiency and efficacy in the
new NTD control program by leveraging existing initiatives such as the
Basic Education Initiative, the President's Malaria Initiative, and the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
The United States will work in partnership with countries struggling
with overlapping disease burdens. These countries will have the opportunity
to be selected based on a competitive grants process to receive additional
support. This will ensure an integrated country specific approach to
fighting NTDs.
For more information on USAID and its Infectious Disease programs,
visit usaid. The White House announcement may be found at
whitehouse.
U.S. Agency for International Development
usaid
President Bush challenged the world to reduce and eventually control and
eliminate the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a major
threat to health and economic growth in the developing world. The new
Presidential Initiative for NTD Control will increase the United States'
commitment to NTDs from $15 million in 2008 to a total of $350 million over
five years. These funds will provide integrated treatment to more than 300
million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, the new
initiative will expand the targeted number of countries from 10 in 2008 to
approximately 30 by 2013.
The initiative will build on U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) investments in NTDs control and will target seven major diseases:
lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); schistosomiasis (snail fever);
trachoma (eye infection); onchocerciasis (river blindness); and three
soil-transmitted helminthes (hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm).
Approximately one billion people, mostly in the developing world,
suffer from one or more NTDs. Seven of these diseases - the seven targeted
by the new initiative - can be controlled and even eliminated through
targeted mass drug administration. Most of these diseases either blind,
deform, or debilitate their victims. In addition, they can contribute to
limited school enrollment, diminished childhood growth and cognitive
development, and reduced economic productivity in adults. Treating the
millions of people who suffer from NTDs will help to change these negative
effects and to improve not only personal health, but also economic growth
at large.
USAID's Commitment to Fighting NTDs
USAID began an integrated NTD control program in 2006, focusing
initially on five countries in Africa - Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger,
and Uganda. In its first year of implementation, this program delivered
more than 35 million NTD treatments to more than 14 million people. The
program is now expanding to Haiti, Sierra Leone, and southern Sudan, and at
least two additional countries will be added in 2008. USAID has invested
$30 million to date in this NTD control program.
Key Partnerships
Most drugs needed to treat NTDs have been donated by pharmaceutical
companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Pfizer.
These donations are valued at hundreds of millions of dollars each year,
and may reduce the estimated cost for other program components to between
40 cents and slightly more than one dollar per person, per year in
Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to the pharmaceutical industry, USAID works closely with
the Ministries of Health in each country and key international partners who
are leading efforts in NTD control.
The United States will further enhance efficiency and efficacy in the
new NTD control program by leveraging existing initiatives such as the
Basic Education Initiative, the President's Malaria Initiative, and the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
The United States will work in partnership with countries struggling
with overlapping disease burdens. These countries will have the opportunity
to be selected based on a competitive grants process to receive additional
support. This will ensure an integrated country specific approach to
fighting NTDs.
For more information on USAID and its Infectious Disease programs,
visit usaid. The White House announcement may be found at
whitehouse.
U.S. Agency for International Development
usaid
пятница, 20 мая 2011 г.
Antiretroviral Drug Shortage In Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is facing a shortage of antiretroviral drugs because of an economic crisis, which has caused shortages of food, fuel, water, power, and foreign currency, as well as an inflation rate of about 1,000%, Reuters reports. Charles Mwaramba, the acting director of Zimbabwe's National Pharmaceutical Company, said his firm does not have enough funds to buy antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive people, adding, "There are 20,000 people on the [antiretroviral drug] national program, and we have less than a month's supply of the vital drugs, and that is not encouraging." The drug repository between January and March was given about $106,000 -- instead of the approximately $7.4 million it required -- for antiretroviral drugs by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. According to Mwaramba, the European Union is providing funding for other drugs, and Zimbabwe has applied for funding from the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria to extend the antiretroviral drug program to 25,000 more people. However, even if the funding is granted, it would not be available until January 2007, he said (Chinaka, Reuters, 5/3).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
четверг, 19 мая 2011 г.
Chernobyl - UNICEF Says Iodine Could Have Helped To Spare Many Children From Thyroid Cancer
As the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl approaches, UNICEF says that the numbers of children who developed thyroid cancer could have been significantly lower if they had been consuming iodized salt in their daily diet at the time of the accident.
Calling for universal salt iodization, Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) noted: "For the 4,000 children in question, iodized salt could have made all the difference. Many would have been spared from thyroid cancer.
"And amid all the other vast numbers - 400,000 people uprooted from their homes; five million still living in contaminated areas; 100,000 still dependent on humanitarian aid - it is too easy to overlook what is small: a drop of iodine costing just a few cents."
The areas affected by Chernobyl were iodine deficient before the disaster, and are still iodine deficient today. Despite many efforts to get legislation passed on universal salt iodization (USI) in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the issue is still being debated.
"After twenty years, there can be no excuse for further delay," said chess Grand Master Anatoly Karpov, UNICEF Regional Ambassador. "Universal salt iodization is the most effective way to ensure that every child gets enough iodine. It is also the cheapest way - costing only 4 US cents per person, per year. Just one teaspoon of iodine consumed over the course of a lifetime can provide a high degree of protection against a range of iodine deficiency disorders."
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are the world's leading cause of mental retardation and can lower the average IQ of a population by as much as 15 points. IDD is a danger to pregnant women and young children. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can affect foetal brain development and, as a result, up to 2.4 million babies are born each year in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States with mental impairment.
UNICEF is urging the governments of Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine to legislate for universal salt iodization and is working with salt producers and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of iodine.
Information equals power
UNICEF also backs the spread of reliable information for those affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
"The health issues go beyond the direct impact of Chernobyl to the enduring psychological and health problems that resulted from sudden dislocation and the loss of livelihood," said Maria Calivis. "Information equals power. Give people the facts and they can make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children."
UNICEF supports life-skills education in schools and communities in some affected areas - working to ensure that children and young people have good information on a whole range of issues, from drug abuse to food safety."
Photo workshop for children
From 2-7 March 2006, UNICEF held a photo workshop for children aged 12 to 17 from each of the three countries hardest hit by the disaster: Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi worked with the 12 children - four from each country - who were all from Chernobyl-affected families.
After an introduction to photographic techniques, the children went on location in Belarus to capture images of life after Chernobyl. Those from the Russian Federation and Ukraine subsequently went on location in their own countries.
The photos taken by the children will form an exhibition for the International Conference on Chernobyl in Minsk, Belarus, April 19-21 and will feature as a photo essay on the UNICEF website for CEE/CIS: unicef/ceecis
unicef
Calling for universal salt iodization, Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) noted: "For the 4,000 children in question, iodized salt could have made all the difference. Many would have been spared from thyroid cancer.
"And amid all the other vast numbers - 400,000 people uprooted from their homes; five million still living in contaminated areas; 100,000 still dependent on humanitarian aid - it is too easy to overlook what is small: a drop of iodine costing just a few cents."
The areas affected by Chernobyl were iodine deficient before the disaster, and are still iodine deficient today. Despite many efforts to get legislation passed on universal salt iodization (USI) in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the issue is still being debated.
"After twenty years, there can be no excuse for further delay," said chess Grand Master Anatoly Karpov, UNICEF Regional Ambassador. "Universal salt iodization is the most effective way to ensure that every child gets enough iodine. It is also the cheapest way - costing only 4 US cents per person, per year. Just one teaspoon of iodine consumed over the course of a lifetime can provide a high degree of protection against a range of iodine deficiency disorders."
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are the world's leading cause of mental retardation and can lower the average IQ of a population by as much as 15 points. IDD is a danger to pregnant women and young children. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can affect foetal brain development and, as a result, up to 2.4 million babies are born each year in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States with mental impairment.
UNICEF is urging the governments of Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine to legislate for universal salt iodization and is working with salt producers and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of iodine.
Information equals power
UNICEF also backs the spread of reliable information for those affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
"The health issues go beyond the direct impact of Chernobyl to the enduring psychological and health problems that resulted from sudden dislocation and the loss of livelihood," said Maria Calivis. "Information equals power. Give people the facts and they can make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children."
UNICEF supports life-skills education in schools and communities in some affected areas - working to ensure that children and young people have good information on a whole range of issues, from drug abuse to food safety."
Photo workshop for children
From 2-7 March 2006, UNICEF held a photo workshop for children aged 12 to 17 from each of the three countries hardest hit by the disaster: Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi worked with the 12 children - four from each country - who were all from Chernobyl-affected families.
After an introduction to photographic techniques, the children went on location in Belarus to capture images of life after Chernobyl. Those from the Russian Federation and Ukraine subsequently went on location in their own countries.
The photos taken by the children will form an exhibition for the International Conference on Chernobyl in Minsk, Belarus, April 19-21 and will feature as a photo essay on the UNICEF website for CEE/CIS: unicef/ceecis
unicef
среда, 18 мая 2011 г.
WFP Starts Emergency Airlift To Pakistan Earthquake Victims
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is tonight beginning a
major airlift of emergency relief supplies to Pakistan for the victims of
Saturday's earthquake, which killed some 20,000 people and left hundreds of
thousands more homeless and destitute.
A WFP Ilyushin-76 carrying medical supplies and generators is due to take
off from Brindisi, Italy for Peshawar at 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning. This
will be followed a few hours later by a WFP-chartered Boeing 747 with a
cargo of 80 metric tons of high energy biscuits, fortified with vitamins
and micronutrients.
"It is vital to get to the survivors as soon as possible. They have already
had two nights out in the open in the cold mountains," said Jean-Jacques
Graisse, WFP Senior Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Operations.
"They need shelter, medical assistance and also food, which they have no
means to prepare - which is why the biscuits are so important."
As the lead UN agency for logistical coordination of the response, WFP will
continue to shuttle food and other relief supplies to Pakistan over the
coming weeks, using planes based in Brindisi and Dubai. It is also
chartering a giant Antonov 124 transport plane to bring two heavy-lift
helicopters to Pakistan from Malaysia, where they were assisting WFP
operations for the victims of last December's tsunami. Given that roads to
the area worst hit by the quake have been cut off by landslides,
helicopters are crucial for access until trucks can get through.
Two fixed-wing planes have been diverted from WFP's Afghanistan operation
to support the relief effort inside Pakistan.
WFP today sent teams to the worst-affected areas, as part of three
Inter-agency rapid assessment missions organised by the UN Disaster
Management Team. An appeal to donors for contributions to WFP's emergency
assistance and logistics operation will be launched within the next few
days. WFP's Country Director in Pakistan has already approved an emergency
allocation of US$500,000.
"We will shortly be receiving the results of initial assessments to
determine how much assistance is needed and where. But at present we are
planning on providing ready-to-eat food for one million people for one
month," Graisse said. "We are ready to provide further assistance if and
when the Pakistan Government requests it."
The earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, wiped out towns
and villages across northern Pakistan and also affected Indian-administered
Kashmir and parts of Afghanistan. Worst hit were five districts in
north-eastern Pakistan, near the line of control that divides Pakistani-
and Indian-administered Kashmir. In the town of Muzaffarabad, just south of
the epicentre, only 30 percent of buildings were left standing.
Whenever a disaster strikes, WFP works in partnership with non-governmental
organizations on the ground. Donations to the World Food Programme are
used to buy food and services which are then shared with key partner
agencies like the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Oxfam, Save the
Children, World Vision and Concern.
The World Food Programme uses its logistical expertise and muscle to
purchase and move food to the areas where it is most needed. The
non-governmental agencies then use their staff on the ground to put the
food directly into the hands of the hungry. This dynamic relationship is
the foundation of a successful operation to bring food and relief to the
victims of natural and man-made disasters.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: each year, we give food to
an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs,
including 56 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest
countries. WFP -- We Feed People.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign - For just 19 US cents a day, you can
help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school - a gift
of hope for a brighter future.
Victims of the South Asia earthquake need your help. To make an online
donation, visit: http//:wfp/donatesouthasia
Visit our website: wfp
major airlift of emergency relief supplies to Pakistan for the victims of
Saturday's earthquake, which killed some 20,000 people and left hundreds of
thousands more homeless and destitute.
A WFP Ilyushin-76 carrying medical supplies and generators is due to take
off from Brindisi, Italy for Peshawar at 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning. This
will be followed a few hours later by a WFP-chartered Boeing 747 with a
cargo of 80 metric tons of high energy biscuits, fortified with vitamins
and micronutrients.
"It is vital to get to the survivors as soon as possible. They have already
had two nights out in the open in the cold mountains," said Jean-Jacques
Graisse, WFP Senior Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Operations.
"They need shelter, medical assistance and also food, which they have no
means to prepare - which is why the biscuits are so important."
As the lead UN agency for logistical coordination of the response, WFP will
continue to shuttle food and other relief supplies to Pakistan over the
coming weeks, using planes based in Brindisi and Dubai. It is also
chartering a giant Antonov 124 transport plane to bring two heavy-lift
helicopters to Pakistan from Malaysia, where they were assisting WFP
operations for the victims of last December's tsunami. Given that roads to
the area worst hit by the quake have been cut off by landslides,
helicopters are crucial for access until trucks can get through.
Two fixed-wing planes have been diverted from WFP's Afghanistan operation
to support the relief effort inside Pakistan.
WFP today sent teams to the worst-affected areas, as part of three
Inter-agency rapid assessment missions organised by the UN Disaster
Management Team. An appeal to donors for contributions to WFP's emergency
assistance and logistics operation will be launched within the next few
days. WFP's Country Director in Pakistan has already approved an emergency
allocation of US$500,000.
"We will shortly be receiving the results of initial assessments to
determine how much assistance is needed and where. But at present we are
planning on providing ready-to-eat food for one million people for one
month," Graisse said. "We are ready to provide further assistance if and
when the Pakistan Government requests it."
The earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, wiped out towns
and villages across northern Pakistan and also affected Indian-administered
Kashmir and parts of Afghanistan. Worst hit were five districts in
north-eastern Pakistan, near the line of control that divides Pakistani-
and Indian-administered Kashmir. In the town of Muzaffarabad, just south of
the epicentre, only 30 percent of buildings were left standing.
Whenever a disaster strikes, WFP works in partnership with non-governmental
organizations on the ground. Donations to the World Food Programme are
used to buy food and services which are then shared with key partner
agencies like the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Oxfam, Save the
Children, World Vision and Concern.
The World Food Programme uses its logistical expertise and muscle to
purchase and move food to the areas where it is most needed. The
non-governmental agencies then use their staff on the ground to put the
food directly into the hands of the hungry. This dynamic relationship is
the foundation of a successful operation to bring food and relief to the
victims of natural and man-made disasters.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: each year, we give food to
an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs,
including 56 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest
countries. WFP -- We Feed People.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign - For just 19 US cents a day, you can
help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school - a gift
of hope for a brighter future.
Victims of the South Asia earthquake need your help. To make an online
donation, visit: http//:wfp/donatesouthasia
Visit our website: wfp
вторник, 17 мая 2011 г.
San Francisco-Area Group Donates Hospital Equipment To Ethiopian Health Centers In Effort To Fight HIV/AIDS, Other Diseases
The San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday profiled World Family -- a Bay Area group that collects "outdated" hospital equipment in the U.S. and donates it to health clinics in Ethiopia in an attempt to combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases in the country. World Family, which was formed in 2003 by Emebet Bellingham and Joseph Zeleke, since its launch has donated more than 34 shipping containers of hospital equipment and furniture worth $5.4 million to Ethiopia, as well as opened a community center project for orphans. In addition, the group has worked with the National Dental Association to open two dental schools in Ethiopia based on U.S. standards. According to Zeleke, poor dental care is one of the most common ways of spreading HIV.
World Family works with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and has received about $260,000 from the Clinton Foundation. According to Edward Wood, director of the foundation's Africa projects, more than 2,000 health centers and hospitals in Ethiopia need medical equipment. Bellingham and Zeleke next month plan to start building a community center in Gara Dima, a village in the East Show region of Ethiopia, at an estimated cost of more than $100,000. USAID statistics indicate that one out of every 22 people in Ethiopia is living with HIV, and UNICEF estimates that about 334,000 children under age five died in 2007 from preventable causes like malaria (Ustinova, San Francisco Chronicle, 1/16).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
World Family works with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and has received about $260,000 from the Clinton Foundation. According to Edward Wood, director of the foundation's Africa projects, more than 2,000 health centers and hospitals in Ethiopia need medical equipment. Bellingham and Zeleke next month plan to start building a community center in Gara Dima, a village in the East Show region of Ethiopia, at an estimated cost of more than $100,000. USAID statistics indicate that one out of every 22 people in Ethiopia is living with HIV, and UNICEF estimates that about 334,000 children under age five died in 2007 from preventable causes like malaria (Ustinova, San Francisco Chronicle, 1/16).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
понедельник, 16 мая 2011 г.
Peace Building In Conflict-Torn Rwanda Aided By Cooperative Organizations
A thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, shows that cooperative organisations play an important role in the peace-building efforts undertaken in the wake of the Rwanda genocide.
The 1994 genocide in Rwanda tore apart and destroyed large parts of the country's socio-economic and institutional foundations, and its severe consequences are still evident. As part of the recovery process, there is a desperate need to restore relations between genocide survivors and former perpetrators - and this in the midst of intensified poverty.
In his thesis, Ezechiel Sentama proposes that cooperative organisations may serve as a means to strengthen social cohesion and facilitate reconciliation and recovery.
'I have explored what happens to the relationship between conflicting parties in the aftermath of violence, such as the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, when they become partners in the same cooperative organisation,' says Sentama.
Friendship and positive communication
Sentema studied the two cooperative organisations Abahuzamugambi coffee and Peace basket, and found that they have indeed played an important role in the restoration of relations between the post-genocide conflicting parties. Not only have they enabled the former antagonists to overcome dehumanising relationships plagued by division and miscommunication, they have also fostered positive and (re)humanising relations characterised by friendship, positive communication and an overall good atmosphere.
Sentama concludes that genuine and well-functioning cooperative organisations can make a positive difference in efforts to restore relations among people, and suggests that cooperative organisations should be seen as an alternative to other mechanisms used in the process of post-conflict peace-building.
'It is possible to restore relationships between different groups if they are part of the same genuine and well-functioning cooperative organisation,' says Sentama.
The study is based on qualitative interviews with 222 individuals (both members and non-members of a cooperative organisation) from both sides of the conflict.
Source: Ezechiel Sentama
University of Gothenburg
The 1994 genocide in Rwanda tore apart and destroyed large parts of the country's socio-economic and institutional foundations, and its severe consequences are still evident. As part of the recovery process, there is a desperate need to restore relations between genocide survivors and former perpetrators - and this in the midst of intensified poverty.
In his thesis, Ezechiel Sentama proposes that cooperative organisations may serve as a means to strengthen social cohesion and facilitate reconciliation and recovery.
'I have explored what happens to the relationship between conflicting parties in the aftermath of violence, such as the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, when they become partners in the same cooperative organisation,' says Sentama.
Friendship and positive communication
Sentema studied the two cooperative organisations Abahuzamugambi coffee and Peace basket, and found that they have indeed played an important role in the restoration of relations between the post-genocide conflicting parties. Not only have they enabled the former antagonists to overcome dehumanising relationships plagued by division and miscommunication, they have also fostered positive and (re)humanising relations characterised by friendship, positive communication and an overall good atmosphere.
Sentama concludes that genuine and well-functioning cooperative organisations can make a positive difference in efforts to restore relations among people, and suggests that cooperative organisations should be seen as an alternative to other mechanisms used in the process of post-conflict peace-building.
'It is possible to restore relationships between different groups if they are part of the same genuine and well-functioning cooperative organisation,' says Sentama.
The study is based on qualitative interviews with 222 individuals (both members and non-members of a cooperative organisation) from both sides of the conflict.
Source: Ezechiel Sentama
University of Gothenburg
воскресенье, 15 мая 2011 г.
Libya: Concern For Plight Of Wounded Cut Off From Aid
As conflict intensifies in Libya, the international medical humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res (MSF) is extremely concerned for wounded people caught in violent clashes, and calls for their urgent, unhindered access to medical assistance, irrespective of any political considerations.
For the past three weeks MSF teams based on the Tunisian border and in the eastern city of Benghazi have been providing medical supplies to health facilities in Libya, and have actively attempted to access areas in the west of the country, where fighting is taking place.
In several conflict zones, such as Zawiyah and Misrata, large numbers of people are cut off from any external assistance, amidst reports of critical medical needs and shortages of medicines and other medical materials.
"We are deeply concerned with the denial of access to medical care and the plight of patients in public health facilities within government-controlled areas," said Bruno Jochum, MSF director of operations.
As an emergency medical humanitarian organization, MSF reaffirms the importance of responding effectively to people's urgent medical needs, regardless of their affiliations.
"Our main challenge today is to gain immediate access to the people affected by violence inside Libya," said Jochum. "Despite ongoing intense fighting, our medical teams, which have been deliberately blocked at the Tunisian border town of Ras Ajdir for weeks now, have not seen any injured patients authorized to cross into Tunisia. It is essential that people have the possibility to flee combat zones to find refuge in safe areas inside Libya or abroad."
Adherence to medical ethics and international humanitarian law by all belligerents-including respect for medical facilities, vehicles and personnel-is the only way patients will receive the urgent medical care they need.
MSF continues to assist the civilian population through the delivery of medical supplies in Libya. Since the first MSF team was able to enter eastern Libya on February 24, 22 tons of medical supplies have been distributed to areas where the most acute needs have been identified. Eleven more tons of medical materials are ready to be delivered where ongoing fighting has created supply shortages.
Source:
Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res
For the past three weeks MSF teams based on the Tunisian border and in the eastern city of Benghazi have been providing medical supplies to health facilities in Libya, and have actively attempted to access areas in the west of the country, where fighting is taking place.
In several conflict zones, such as Zawiyah and Misrata, large numbers of people are cut off from any external assistance, amidst reports of critical medical needs and shortages of medicines and other medical materials.
"We are deeply concerned with the denial of access to medical care and the plight of patients in public health facilities within government-controlled areas," said Bruno Jochum, MSF director of operations.
As an emergency medical humanitarian organization, MSF reaffirms the importance of responding effectively to people's urgent medical needs, regardless of their affiliations.
"Our main challenge today is to gain immediate access to the people affected by violence inside Libya," said Jochum. "Despite ongoing intense fighting, our medical teams, which have been deliberately blocked at the Tunisian border town of Ras Ajdir for weeks now, have not seen any injured patients authorized to cross into Tunisia. It is essential that people have the possibility to flee combat zones to find refuge in safe areas inside Libya or abroad."
Adherence to medical ethics and international humanitarian law by all belligerents-including respect for medical facilities, vehicles and personnel-is the only way patients will receive the urgent medical care they need.
MSF continues to assist the civilian population through the delivery of medical supplies in Libya. Since the first MSF team was able to enter eastern Libya on February 24, 22 tons of medical supplies have been distributed to areas where the most acute needs have been identified. Eleven more tons of medical materials are ready to be delivered where ongoing fighting has created supply shortages.
Source:
Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res
суббота, 14 мая 2011 г.
GlaxoSmithKline aids hurricane relief efforts - $1m and Health Care Products Donated
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) shares the nation's deep concern for residents and communities of the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina. As an immediate demonstration of support, GlaxoSmithKline is donating one million dollars to the relief effort. Of those funds, $500,000 will go to the American Red Cross, $250,000 to the Mississippi Hurricane Fund and $250,000 to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. The company will also provide medicines and health care products in support of the disaster recovery.
"GSK is committed to helping in the massive relief effort that will be necessary," said Christopher Viehbacher, President, US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline. "Our first priority is to assist the American Red Cross and state-based organizations that can directly respond to the essential needs of people in these dire circumstances."
As a health care company with a broad range of medicines, vaccines and consumer health care products, GSK is also working closely with relief organizations and government officials to donate products to the Gulf Coast region. These organizations are expert in determining how best to distribute supplies efficiently, where and when they are most needed.
Given the extensive damage to basic utility services, a number of prescription medicines such as antibiotics and vaccines are likely to be in high demand. GSK's medicines for diabetes, respiratory diseases and other chronic conditions may also be needed by patients. GSK also stands ready to donate substantial quantities of personal hygiene products such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, and nonprescription medicines.
Like many large companies in the US, GSK has a substantial number of employees, more than 1,000, who live and work along the Gulf Coast. Internal resources are being deployed to assist employees and their families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. GSK is also responding to the desire of its employees and retirees to support relief efforts through monetary donations, which the Company will match through its Matching Gifts Program and through the United Way.
GSK has a long history of providing humanitarian relief. By quickly activating established relationships with relief organizations, such as AmeriCares and MAP International, and having warehoused products designated for donation, GSK's products reach those in need when disasters strike. Last year, GSK provided life-saving medicines to support disaster relief efforts and impoverished communities in over 100 countries, including aid for the tsunami in South Asia, Bangladesh, Sudanand hurricane relief in Central America, the Caribbean and the US.
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
gsk
"GSK is committed to helping in the massive relief effort that will be necessary," said Christopher Viehbacher, President, US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline. "Our first priority is to assist the American Red Cross and state-based organizations that can directly respond to the essential needs of people in these dire circumstances."
As a health care company with a broad range of medicines, vaccines and consumer health care products, GSK is also working closely with relief organizations and government officials to donate products to the Gulf Coast region. These organizations are expert in determining how best to distribute supplies efficiently, where and when they are most needed.
Given the extensive damage to basic utility services, a number of prescription medicines such as antibiotics and vaccines are likely to be in high demand. GSK's medicines for diabetes, respiratory diseases and other chronic conditions may also be needed by patients. GSK also stands ready to donate substantial quantities of personal hygiene products such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, and nonprescription medicines.
Like many large companies in the US, GSK has a substantial number of employees, more than 1,000, who live and work along the Gulf Coast. Internal resources are being deployed to assist employees and their families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. GSK is also responding to the desire of its employees and retirees to support relief efforts through monetary donations, which the Company will match through its Matching Gifts Program and through the United Way.
GSK has a long history of providing humanitarian relief. By quickly activating established relationships with relief organizations, such as AmeriCares and MAP International, and having warehoused products designated for donation, GSK's products reach those in need when disasters strike. Last year, GSK provided life-saving medicines to support disaster relief efforts and impoverished communities in over 100 countries, including aid for the tsunami in South Asia, Bangladesh, Sudanand hurricane relief in Central America, the Caribbean and the US.
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
gsk
пятница, 13 мая 2011 г.
Red Cross Honors Survivors Of Hurricane Rita
Just one month after Katrina devastated parts of Louisiana and the Mississippi coast, another storm threatened. Those who had evacuated and sought shelter towards the West needed to evacuate again-along with hundreds of thousands of others-to avoid Hurricane Rita. The Red Cross remains dedicated to the recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast even as it responds to current emergency needs across the nation.
Hurricane Rita sent shockwaves of fear throughout the already hard-hit areas. America responded again to this bleak vision with an outpouring of support and assistance. Thousands more volunteers mobilized to support the continuation of the largest domestic relief operation in the history of the Red Cross. During the emergency phase of the response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Red Cross provided 3.2 million overnight stays in Red Cross shelters, served more than 40 million meals and snacks and provided emergency assistance to nearly more than 1.4 million households.
The Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP) has been working hard in Southwest Louisiana and Deep East Texas to help families that were affected by Hurricane Rita through emotional support for recovery programs, grants to area nonprofits for community reliance programming, and helping survivors plan their recovery and find the necessary resources to meet that plan. In Southwest Louisiana and Deep East Texas more than $1,000,000 has been distributed to help survivors move towards a safe and sustainable recovery and the numbers continue to grow every day.
"The people in Southwest Louisiana and East Texas are resilient, but the Red Cross is proud to be able to stand with them as they rebuild their communities," commented Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of the Hurricane Recovery Program. "They came to the aid of people who were evacuating because of Katrina, and then-all of a sudden-they needed people to come to their aid. The Red Cross was there two years ago, and we're still there today."
The progress in the region over the past two years is unmistakable. Yet, the vision of closed schools and businesses, and residents living in trailers outside their still uninhabitable homes persists. The Red Cross encourages everyone to continue to support local Red Cross chapters and other groups that continue to work in these communities. The 2005 storms taught all of us that aggressive action is needed by families, communities and groups such as the Red Cross. The Red Cross has gotten ready for the next big event by tripling its warehouse space, increasing stockpiles of food, cots, and blankets, increasing the number of kitchens and feeding trucks, and positioning satellite communications equipment across the nation. Individuals and families can get ready too by taking three simple steps:
- Get a Kit: Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit. Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.
- Make a Plan: Make evacuation and communication plans. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well Web Site which can be reached through redcross.
- Be Informed: Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community.
Follow the directions of emergency officials.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.
Hurricane Rita sent shockwaves of fear throughout the already hard-hit areas. America responded again to this bleak vision with an outpouring of support and assistance. Thousands more volunteers mobilized to support the continuation of the largest domestic relief operation in the history of the Red Cross. During the emergency phase of the response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Red Cross provided 3.2 million overnight stays in Red Cross shelters, served more than 40 million meals and snacks and provided emergency assistance to nearly more than 1.4 million households.
The Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP) has been working hard in Southwest Louisiana and Deep East Texas to help families that were affected by Hurricane Rita through emotional support for recovery programs, grants to area nonprofits for community reliance programming, and helping survivors plan their recovery and find the necessary resources to meet that plan. In Southwest Louisiana and Deep East Texas more than $1,000,000 has been distributed to help survivors move towards a safe and sustainable recovery and the numbers continue to grow every day.
"The people in Southwest Louisiana and East Texas are resilient, but the Red Cross is proud to be able to stand with them as they rebuild their communities," commented Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of the Hurricane Recovery Program. "They came to the aid of people who were evacuating because of Katrina, and then-all of a sudden-they needed people to come to their aid. The Red Cross was there two years ago, and we're still there today."
The progress in the region over the past two years is unmistakable. Yet, the vision of closed schools and businesses, and residents living in trailers outside their still uninhabitable homes persists. The Red Cross encourages everyone to continue to support local Red Cross chapters and other groups that continue to work in these communities. The 2005 storms taught all of us that aggressive action is needed by families, communities and groups such as the Red Cross. The Red Cross has gotten ready for the next big event by tripling its warehouse space, increasing stockpiles of food, cots, and blankets, increasing the number of kitchens and feeding trucks, and positioning satellite communications equipment across the nation. Individuals and families can get ready too by taking three simple steps:
- Get a Kit: Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit. Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.
- Make a Plan: Make evacuation and communication plans. Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well Web Site which can be reached through redcross.
- Be Informed: Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community.
Follow the directions of emergency officials.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.
среда, 11 мая 2011 г.
Successful On-line Food Auction Brings Seasonal Cheer To World's Hungry (Auction To Run Until 22 December)
In the space of just one week, a worldwide community of food
aficionados, spearheaded by one food blogger in the United States, has
raised more than US$ 24,700 to help the United Nations World Food Programme
(WFP) feed the hungriest and poorest people on the planet.
The "Menu for Hope" auction was conceived by the internationally acclaimed
food blogger, Pim Techamuanvivit, whose restaurant reviews and lively
accounts of adventures in the culinary world have made her blog a popular
destination for anybody with a keen interest in good food and fine dining.
Foodies across the world are purchasing US$10 tickets for a bid on items
ranging from complimentary dining at top restaurants, to baskets of
enticing and unusual gastronomic items, rare cookery books etc. Now in its
third year, it is hoped that the 2006 "Menu for Hope" campaign will exceed
its fundraising target of US$25,000.
Scheduled to run five more days (until 22 December), "Menu for Hope" is
located on the blog chezpim.typepad . All proceeds from the
auction go to WFP.
"There are a number of reasons why the auction has been so successful this
year, but number one is the benefactor -- the UN World Food Programme,"
said Pim Techamuanvivit from her base in San Francisco, California. "The
opportunity to help the world's hungry galvanizes this community of people
who share a passion for food. Here is a chance to make a difference, to
share some of the privileges we enjoy -- that's why so many people have so
generously and enthusiastically shown their support."
Participation in the "Menu of Hope" auction is through Pim Techamuanvivit's
blog - chezpim.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: each year, we give food to
an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs,
including 58 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest
countries.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign - For just 19 US cents a day, you can
help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school - a gift
of hope for a brighter future.
For further information please go to:
World Food Program WFP - We Feed People
Menu for Hope
aficionados, spearheaded by one food blogger in the United States, has
raised more than US$ 24,700 to help the United Nations World Food Programme
(WFP) feed the hungriest and poorest people on the planet.
The "Menu for Hope" auction was conceived by the internationally acclaimed
food blogger, Pim Techamuanvivit, whose restaurant reviews and lively
accounts of adventures in the culinary world have made her blog a popular
destination for anybody with a keen interest in good food and fine dining.
Foodies across the world are purchasing US$10 tickets for a bid on items
ranging from complimentary dining at top restaurants, to baskets of
enticing and unusual gastronomic items, rare cookery books etc. Now in its
third year, it is hoped that the 2006 "Menu for Hope" campaign will exceed
its fundraising target of US$25,000.
Scheduled to run five more days (until 22 December), "Menu for Hope" is
located on the blog chezpim.typepad . All proceeds from the
auction go to WFP.
"There are a number of reasons why the auction has been so successful this
year, but number one is the benefactor -- the UN World Food Programme,"
said Pim Techamuanvivit from her base in San Francisco, California. "The
opportunity to help the world's hungry galvanizes this community of people
who share a passion for food. Here is a chance to make a difference, to
share some of the privileges we enjoy -- that's why so many people have so
generously and enthusiastically shown their support."
Participation in the "Menu of Hope" auction is through Pim Techamuanvivit's
blog - chezpim.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: each year, we give food to
an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs,
including 58 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest
countries.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign - For just 19 US cents a day, you can
help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school - a gift
of hope for a brighter future.
For further information please go to:
World Food Program WFP - We Feed People
Menu for Hope
вторник, 10 мая 2011 г.
MSF To EU: Stop The Spin, Backdoor Policies And Closed-Door Negotiations That Threaten Access To Affordable Medicines
As negotiations on a European Union (EU)-India free trade agreement (FTA) resume in Brussels today, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res (MSF) is calling on Europe's highest trade official to halt actions that will dramatically restrict access to affordable generic medicines produced in India.
"European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is attempting to give Europe's pharmaceutical industry a backdoor to monopolies that lead to high drug prices and will keep pills out of reach of patients," said Dr. Tido von Schoen-Angerer, director of MSF's Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines. "India has a patents law that is strict about what does and what doesn't deserve a patent, but Europe is using dirty legal tricks to get around this law and block cheaper generic medicines."
Europe is pushing 'data exclusivity' policies that would hamper generic competition for up to ten years. These would block the standard practice-recommended by the World Health Organization-of generic makers using existing studies on identical products to get their medicines approved for sale. For example, in 2008 India rejected a patent on nevirapine syrup, an AIDS medicine for children, which meant generic producers could produce and sell more affordable versions of the syrup. If data exclusivity had been in place in India, as the EU now wants, producers would have had to wait up to ten years before selling the drug, even though it did not deserve a patent in the first place.
"Our medical programs depend on a constant supply of affordable medicines," said Ariane Bauernfeind, operational coordinator for MSF projects in South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. "For people with HIV/AIDS who need medicines to stay alive, a ten-year wait to get a newer drug is not viable. They'll die waiting. Half of all children born with HIV/AIDS won't make it to their second birthday without treatment. We can't let the EU shut down our supply of affordable newer medicines."
Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is also pursuing policies harmful to access to medicines through ACTA, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement that has been negotiated in secret. The deal claims to be an effort to protect consumers from fake medicines, but it will inhibit the production of legitimate, affordable, and safe medicines by giving companies far reaching powers to block competitors' products.
"The EU has been far less than truthful in response to our concerns, "said von Schoen-Angerer, as MSF delivered an open letter to the Trade Commissioner. "The devil is in the details, and we demand Trade Commissioner De Gucht quit the spin that hides the health impact his policies will have for people across the developing world. People whose lives depend on Indian generics have taken to the streets in Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Kathmandu, amplifying the message that EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht needs to back off."
India has been called the 'pharmacy of the developing world,' because it produces affordable versions of medicines that are the cornerstone of treatment programs everywhere. MSF sources more than 80 percent of the medicines it uses to treat more than 160,000 people with HIV/AIDS, from producers in India. A recent study in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, found that more than 80 percent of all donor-funded HIV medicine purchases for developing countries from 2003-2008 were for generic drugs from India.
Until 2005, India country did not grant patents on medicines. Since 2005, WTO rules have required India to start granting such patents and a number of newer HIV drugs are already patented, raising serious concerns about their affordability. Fortunately, for access to medicines, the Indian patent law reserves patents only for drugs that show a therapeutic benefit over existing ones. But the EU intends to override India's public health safeguards and the right of the country to balance patents and public health concerns.
Source:
Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res
"European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is attempting to give Europe's pharmaceutical industry a backdoor to monopolies that lead to high drug prices and will keep pills out of reach of patients," said Dr. Tido von Schoen-Angerer, director of MSF's Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines. "India has a patents law that is strict about what does and what doesn't deserve a patent, but Europe is using dirty legal tricks to get around this law and block cheaper generic medicines."
Europe is pushing 'data exclusivity' policies that would hamper generic competition for up to ten years. These would block the standard practice-recommended by the World Health Organization-of generic makers using existing studies on identical products to get their medicines approved for sale. For example, in 2008 India rejected a patent on nevirapine syrup, an AIDS medicine for children, which meant generic producers could produce and sell more affordable versions of the syrup. If data exclusivity had been in place in India, as the EU now wants, producers would have had to wait up to ten years before selling the drug, even though it did not deserve a patent in the first place.
"Our medical programs depend on a constant supply of affordable medicines," said Ariane Bauernfeind, operational coordinator for MSF projects in South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. "For people with HIV/AIDS who need medicines to stay alive, a ten-year wait to get a newer drug is not viable. They'll die waiting. Half of all children born with HIV/AIDS won't make it to their second birthday without treatment. We can't let the EU shut down our supply of affordable newer medicines."
Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is also pursuing policies harmful to access to medicines through ACTA, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement that has been negotiated in secret. The deal claims to be an effort to protect consumers from fake medicines, but it will inhibit the production of legitimate, affordable, and safe medicines by giving companies far reaching powers to block competitors' products.
"The EU has been far less than truthful in response to our concerns, "said von Schoen-Angerer, as MSF delivered an open letter to the Trade Commissioner. "The devil is in the details, and we demand Trade Commissioner De Gucht quit the spin that hides the health impact his policies will have for people across the developing world. People whose lives depend on Indian generics have taken to the streets in Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Kathmandu, amplifying the message that EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht needs to back off."
India has been called the 'pharmacy of the developing world,' because it produces affordable versions of medicines that are the cornerstone of treatment programs everywhere. MSF sources more than 80 percent of the medicines it uses to treat more than 160,000 people with HIV/AIDS, from producers in India. A recent study in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, found that more than 80 percent of all donor-funded HIV medicine purchases for developing countries from 2003-2008 were for generic drugs from India.
Until 2005, India country did not grant patents on medicines. Since 2005, WTO rules have required India to start granting such patents and a number of newer HIV drugs are already patented, raising serious concerns about their affordability. Fortunately, for access to medicines, the Indian patent law reserves patents only for drugs that show a therapeutic benefit over existing ones. But the EU intends to override India's public health safeguards and the right of the country to balance patents and public health concerns.
Source:
Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res
понедельник, 9 мая 2011 г.
American Red Cross Recognizes State Street Foundation For Contributions To The Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the California wildfires, the State Street Foundation, Inc., the grantmaking arm of Boston-based financial services firm State Street Corporation, donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The State Street Foundation will also match up to $100,000 for donations made through its employee donation program to help provide essential services to those affected by disasters.
"The State Street Foundation is a valued partner of the American Red Cross. We are extremely grateful for this generous donation that will enable the Red Cross to provide life-saving support to the victims of thousands of disasters," said Kathleen Loehr, interim senior vice president for development at the American Red Cross.
State Street Foundation's generous gift will go toward helping the Red Cross respond to the nearly 75,000 disasters that occur each year, disasters like the California wildfires. It will provide essential items such as food, shelter, mental health counseling and other assistance to disaster victims. The State Street Foundation is also a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program and has already committed $1.5 million to the Red Cross over the next three years. The recent gift extends beyond its annual contribution.
"The State Street Foundation is committed to improving the communities in which State Street has a business presence," said George Bowman, vice president of State Street's community affairs department. "When major disasters occur, we are able to respond quickly through the Foundation's Disaster Relief Emergency Assistance Fund. Our matching gift program also empowers our employees to give to causes that are important to them."
When the California wildfires struck, the Red Cross opened 26 shelters in Southern California, providing a safe place to stay for approximately 6,000 evacuees at the peak of the fires. Some 5,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers from all 50 states rushed to ensure that survivors had shelter, food, and comfort. The Red Cross continues to work with community partners to identify resources that can aid in the long-term recovery of survivors.
Note: On Monday, October 29, 2007 The American Red Cross announced that it has met the expected costs of the California wildfires but still needs donations to its Disaster Relief Fund to ensure it can respond to the next disaster just as swiftly and effectively as it did in Southern California. Visit redcross for additional details.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
redcross
"The State Street Foundation is a valued partner of the American Red Cross. We are extremely grateful for this generous donation that will enable the Red Cross to provide life-saving support to the victims of thousands of disasters," said Kathleen Loehr, interim senior vice president for development at the American Red Cross.
State Street Foundation's generous gift will go toward helping the Red Cross respond to the nearly 75,000 disasters that occur each year, disasters like the California wildfires. It will provide essential items such as food, shelter, mental health counseling and other assistance to disaster victims. The State Street Foundation is also a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program and has already committed $1.5 million to the Red Cross over the next three years. The recent gift extends beyond its annual contribution.
"The State Street Foundation is committed to improving the communities in which State Street has a business presence," said George Bowman, vice president of State Street's community affairs department. "When major disasters occur, we are able to respond quickly through the Foundation's Disaster Relief Emergency Assistance Fund. Our matching gift program also empowers our employees to give to causes that are important to them."
When the California wildfires struck, the Red Cross opened 26 shelters in Southern California, providing a safe place to stay for approximately 6,000 evacuees at the peak of the fires. Some 5,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers from all 50 states rushed to ensure that survivors had shelter, food, and comfort. The Red Cross continues to work with community partners to identify resources that can aid in the long-term recovery of survivors.
Note: On Monday, October 29, 2007 The American Red Cross announced that it has met the expected costs of the California wildfires but still needs donations to its Disaster Relief Fund to ensure it can respond to the next disaster just as swiftly and effectively as it did in Southern California. Visit redcross for additional details.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
redcross
воскресенье, 8 мая 2011 г.
Millennium Under-5s Mortality Goal Seems Unattainable
The Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4) included a target for lowering mortality for kids under-5 globally - it seems that the international community is failing to deal with this problem fast enough, according to an article published in The Lancet, this week's issue.
Professor Christopher Murray, Director, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA, and team put together all available databases into a computer model to forecast child mortality till 2015 worldwide, including 172 countries.
The researchers found:
-- 1980 Global under-5 mortality = 110 per 1,000
-- 2005 Global under-5 mortality = 72 per 1,000
-- 1980 Child deaths globally = 13.5 million
-- 2005 Child deaths globally = 9.7 million
-- 1990 to 2015 Global under-5 mortality expected to fall by 27%
The MDG4 target was a 67% fall.
Areas of North Africa, the Middle East, southeast Asia and Latin America have had good rates of decline in under-5 mortality. However, other areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, have had much slower declines, as well as persistently high fertility rates.
The authors say there should be better and timelier infant-mortality measurement through more fully using existing information and applying standard analytical strategies.
The authors write "We firmly believe that evidence on levels and trends in child mortality is a global public good and that the entire worldwide public-health community will benefit from more concerted efforts to enhance it."
thelancet
Written by:
Professor Christopher Murray, Director, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA, and team put together all available databases into a computer model to forecast child mortality till 2015 worldwide, including 172 countries.
The researchers found:
-- 1980 Global under-5 mortality = 110 per 1,000
-- 2005 Global under-5 mortality = 72 per 1,000
-- 1980 Child deaths globally = 13.5 million
-- 2005 Child deaths globally = 9.7 million
-- 1990 to 2015 Global under-5 mortality expected to fall by 27%
The MDG4 target was a 67% fall.
Areas of North Africa, the Middle East, southeast Asia and Latin America have had good rates of decline in under-5 mortality. However, other areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, have had much slower declines, as well as persistently high fertility rates.
The authors say there should be better and timelier infant-mortality measurement through more fully using existing information and applying standard analytical strategies.
The authors write "We firmly believe that evidence on levels and trends in child mortality is a global public good and that the entire worldwide public-health community will benefit from more concerted efforts to enhance it."
thelancet
Written by:
суббота, 7 мая 2011 г.
Priority In Haiti Now Is Saving Lives During Cholera Epidemic, Says PAHO Director
Prompt treatment, improved living conditions, and proper hygiene practices are the top priorities for PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), local health authorities, international agencies and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), said Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of PAHO. Dr. Roses stressed the urgent importance of clean drinking water, safe food, raising public awareness on how to combat the spread of cholera, and "building a solid water and sanitation infrastructure in Haiti,"
Dr. Roses met today with various government, private and faith-based groups, which are all responding to Haiti's cholera epidemic. Dr. Roses thanked them for their support and emphasized that the Haitian leadership is crucial in this crisis.
Dr. Roses said:
"The capacity of NGOs is fundamental in assistance to the country. But national and local leaders must be in the driver's seat because they will remain after the crisis."
Roses added that a significant number of agencies are "overwhelmed in this disaster." The January earthquake, which destroyed or overstretched much of the country's health, water and sanitation services, as well as making millions of people homeless, created the ideal ingredients for a serious cholera epidemic. Add to all this the recent flooding from Hurricane Tomas, and resources have been stretched beyond the limit.
Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, who works at PAHO, said that current priorities are:
Improved surveillance
Improved risk assessment
Rapid detection of hot spots
Rapid response to new hot spots
Good case management
Logistics and supplies
Extensive and effective broadcasting to properly educate the population on care and prevention
There are several rural areas which are difficult to get to that concern authorities and agencies particularly, Dr. Aldighieri added. He believes that approximately one-third of all community deaths are not being registered centrally, in other words, not reported.
PAHO Deputy Director Dr. Jon Andrus said his organization continues supplying and mobilizing experts in several fields of medicine and public health, including risk communication, case management, epidemiology, laboratory work, sanitation, logistics and supply management to the authorities of the two nations on the island, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
People on the ground are reporting that hospitals are rapidly running out of space. An MSF (M?©decins Sans Fronti??res - Doctors Without Borders) 70-bed hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince, for example, says it is receiving 300 sick people each day. Caroline Seguin, MSF's emergency coordinator says people are pouring in even though the hospital is completely full.
Kate Alberti, an epidemiologist with Epicentre, MSF's epidemiological research center, said:
"While cholera and cholera-like symptoms can present very quickly and become life-threatening, unnecessary deaths can easily be averted with swift access to properly equipped and staffed facilities in close proximity to outbreak areas."
MSF reports that in many areas safe drinking water is extremely scarce. They give an example of the Cite Soleil neighborhood which MSF provides with 280,000 liters of water per day - enough for 14,000 people, but "far below the requirements of the neighborhood's inhabitants."
Charity organization, Oxfam, says it has 25 staff working non-stop in Petite Riviere. Their water, sanitation and hygiene program is supplying 100,000 desperate Haitians. The charity aims to move into Artibonite as well and provide safe drinking water, toilet facilities, and education on good hygiene practices.
Soources: MSF, PAHO, Oxfam.
Written by
Dr. Roses met today with various government, private and faith-based groups, which are all responding to Haiti's cholera epidemic. Dr. Roses thanked them for their support and emphasized that the Haitian leadership is crucial in this crisis.
Dr. Roses said:
"The capacity of NGOs is fundamental in assistance to the country. But national and local leaders must be in the driver's seat because they will remain after the crisis."
Roses added that a significant number of agencies are "overwhelmed in this disaster." The January earthquake, which destroyed or overstretched much of the country's health, water and sanitation services, as well as making millions of people homeless, created the ideal ingredients for a serious cholera epidemic. Add to all this the recent flooding from Hurricane Tomas, and resources have been stretched beyond the limit.
Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, who works at PAHO, said that current priorities are:
Improved surveillance
Improved risk assessment
Rapid detection of hot spots
Rapid response to new hot spots
Good case management
Logistics and supplies
Extensive and effective broadcasting to properly educate the population on care and prevention
There are several rural areas which are difficult to get to that concern authorities and agencies particularly, Dr. Aldighieri added. He believes that approximately one-third of all community deaths are not being registered centrally, in other words, not reported.
PAHO Deputy Director Dr. Jon Andrus said his organization continues supplying and mobilizing experts in several fields of medicine and public health, including risk communication, case management, epidemiology, laboratory work, sanitation, logistics and supply management to the authorities of the two nations on the island, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
People on the ground are reporting that hospitals are rapidly running out of space. An MSF (M?©decins Sans Fronti??res - Doctors Without Borders) 70-bed hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince, for example, says it is receiving 300 sick people each day. Caroline Seguin, MSF's emergency coordinator says people are pouring in even though the hospital is completely full.
Kate Alberti, an epidemiologist with Epicentre, MSF's epidemiological research center, said:
"While cholera and cholera-like symptoms can present very quickly and become life-threatening, unnecessary deaths can easily be averted with swift access to properly equipped and staffed facilities in close proximity to outbreak areas."
MSF reports that in many areas safe drinking water is extremely scarce. They give an example of the Cite Soleil neighborhood which MSF provides with 280,000 liters of water per day - enough for 14,000 people, but "far below the requirements of the neighborhood's inhabitants."
Charity organization, Oxfam, says it has 25 staff working non-stop in Petite Riviere. Their water, sanitation and hygiene program is supplying 100,000 desperate Haitians. The charity aims to move into Artibonite as well and provide safe drinking water, toilet facilities, and education on good hygiene practices.
Soources: MSF, PAHO, Oxfam.
Written by
пятница, 6 мая 2011 г.
HHS Releases $490 Million In Emergency Funding To States For Energy Assistance For Low-Income Families
In response to the growing demands on states and families for much needed relief, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today the release of $490 million in contingency funding to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. These Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds will provide states, territories, tribes and the District of Columbia with additional assistance to pay heating and electricity costs.
"During these tight economic times, states and communities across the country have seen increased demand on key services, such as energy assistance for low-income families. And the record cold snap in places that traditionally don't see weather as cold as it has been this year has put even more pressure on families in these states," said HHS Secretary Sebelius. "The energy subsidies we are releasing today will help more families afford heat and avert difficult choices too many Americans face between paying for heat and paying for other essentials like food and medicine," Sebelius said.
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating, cooling, and other energy costs, as well as helping to weatherize eligible families' homes. In recent years, more than six million low-income households across the country receive assistance under LIHEAP.
The contingency funds released today are in addition to basic LIHEAP funding states receive automatically. HHS released $2.6 billion in October and $1.2 billion last week in regular block grant funds. Today's $490 million release is from a $590 million LIHEAP contingency fund leaving $100 million available for unanticipated events in the contingency fund.
In total, Congress appropriated $5.1 billion for LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2010. "We have made a decision to release a substantial portion of available funding now to help children, seniors, and families struggling to make ends meet," said Carmen R. Nazario, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "At a time when unemployment is unacceptably high, this assistance can provide a real helping hand to families hardest hit by the recession."
For a complete list of state allocations of the funds released today go here.
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go here.
U.S. Department of Health and Human services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius comments on contingency funding to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. LIHEAP Announcement Video
Source
HHS
"During these tight economic times, states and communities across the country have seen increased demand on key services, such as energy assistance for low-income families. And the record cold snap in places that traditionally don't see weather as cold as it has been this year has put even more pressure on families in these states," said HHS Secretary Sebelius. "The energy subsidies we are releasing today will help more families afford heat and avert difficult choices too many Americans face between paying for heat and paying for other essentials like food and medicine," Sebelius said.
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating, cooling, and other energy costs, as well as helping to weatherize eligible families' homes. In recent years, more than six million low-income households across the country receive assistance under LIHEAP.
The contingency funds released today are in addition to basic LIHEAP funding states receive automatically. HHS released $2.6 billion in October and $1.2 billion last week in regular block grant funds. Today's $490 million release is from a $590 million LIHEAP contingency fund leaving $100 million available for unanticipated events in the contingency fund.
In total, Congress appropriated $5.1 billion for LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2010. "We have made a decision to release a substantial portion of available funding now to help children, seniors, and families struggling to make ends meet," said Carmen R. Nazario, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "At a time when unemployment is unacceptably high, this assistance can provide a real helping hand to families hardest hit by the recession."
For a complete list of state allocations of the funds released today go here.
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go here.
U.S. Department of Health and Human services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius comments on contingency funding to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. LIHEAP Announcement Video
Source
HHS
четверг, 5 мая 2011 г.
St. Jude, El Salvador Create Research Ethics Committee
The establishment of
research ethics committees (REC) in El Salvador will enhance the ability of
that country to undertake clinical trials that improve cure rates of
pediatric catastrophic diseases, according to investigators from St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital who helped to establish the committees.
The new programs not only ensure rigorous ethical oversight of research
involving human participants, but also serve as a model for other
institutions in high-income countries to create or strengthen existing RECs
in low-income countries, the investigators said. A report on the
establishment of these RECs in El Salvador appears in the December issue of
Lancet Oncology.
The establishment of the REC in El Salvador is important because
investigators in low-income countries often have little or no access to
such groups, said Miguela A. Caniza, M.D., assistant member of the St. Jude
Infectious Diseases Department and director of its Infectious Diseases
International Outreach Program. Yet research institutions in high-income
countries require that a REC be part of any such collaboration, she noted.
"The absence of a REC either restricts or prevents just the
collaboration needed to improve medical care in countries with limited
resources," Caniza explained. She is lead author of the report.
Other authors include Scott C. Howard and Raymond C. Barfield (St.
Jude); Wilfrido Clara and Gabriela Maron (Hospital Bloom); Jose Ernesto
Navarro-Marin (Ministry of Health and Social Assistance, El Salvador);
Roberto Rivera (Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, N.C.);
and Jonathan Camp (Center for the Study of Rhetoric and Applied
Communication FedEx; University of Memphis, Tenn.).
This work was supported in part by ALSAC.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for
its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and
other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and
based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with
scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays
for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are
never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its
fund-raising organization. For more information, please visit
stjude.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
stjude
research ethics committees (REC) in El Salvador will enhance the ability of
that country to undertake clinical trials that improve cure rates of
pediatric catastrophic diseases, according to investigators from St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital who helped to establish the committees.
The new programs not only ensure rigorous ethical oversight of research
involving human participants, but also serve as a model for other
institutions in high-income countries to create or strengthen existing RECs
in low-income countries, the investigators said. A report on the
establishment of these RECs in El Salvador appears in the December issue of
Lancet Oncology.
The establishment of the REC in El Salvador is important because
investigators in low-income countries often have little or no access to
such groups, said Miguela A. Caniza, M.D., assistant member of the St. Jude
Infectious Diseases Department and director of its Infectious Diseases
International Outreach Program. Yet research institutions in high-income
countries require that a REC be part of any such collaboration, she noted.
"The absence of a REC either restricts or prevents just the
collaboration needed to improve medical care in countries with limited
resources," Caniza explained. She is lead author of the report.
Other authors include Scott C. Howard and Raymond C. Barfield (St.
Jude); Wilfrido Clara and Gabriela Maron (Hospital Bloom); Jose Ernesto
Navarro-Marin (Ministry of Health and Social Assistance, El Salvador);
Roberto Rivera (Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, N.C.);
and Jonathan Camp (Center for the Study of Rhetoric and Applied
Communication FedEx; University of Memphis, Tenn.).
This work was supported in part by ALSAC.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for
its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and
other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and
based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with
scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays
for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are
never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its
fund-raising organization. For more information, please visit
stjude.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
stjude
среда, 4 мая 2011 г.
USDA Awards Enhance The Nutritional Quality Of Food Aid Products
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded nearly $3.8 million to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs.
"The United States is a major supplier of food aid, feeding millions of people around the world who are suffering during emergency situations," said Roger Beachy, director of USDA's National Institution of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). "These projects will improve the nutritional quality of food aid products these people depend on for survival."
NIFA's Food Aid Nutrition Enhancement Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance. Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs.
Fiscal Year 2010 awards were made to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and international global health non-profit PATH. JHU received $2,729,000 to introduce and test three specially formulated foods for children ages 6-24 months in Bangladesh, where childhood under-nutrition is especially prevalent. PATH received $1 million to field test their Ultra Rice technology in Burundi. Ultra Rice is a proven, cost-effective and culturally appropriate rice fortification technology that can bridge micronutrient deficiencies and prevent malnutrition in rice-consuming communities.
FANEP is administered through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act. This act called for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs.
Source:
Jennifer Martin
United States Department of Agriculture -- Research, Education and Economics
"The United States is a major supplier of food aid, feeding millions of people around the world who are suffering during emergency situations," said Roger Beachy, director of USDA's National Institution of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). "These projects will improve the nutritional quality of food aid products these people depend on for survival."
NIFA's Food Aid Nutrition Enhancement Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance. Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs.
Fiscal Year 2010 awards were made to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and international global health non-profit PATH. JHU received $2,729,000 to introduce and test three specially formulated foods for children ages 6-24 months in Bangladesh, where childhood under-nutrition is especially prevalent. PATH received $1 million to field test their Ultra Rice technology in Burundi. Ultra Rice is a proven, cost-effective and culturally appropriate rice fortification technology that can bridge micronutrient deficiencies and prevent malnutrition in rice-consuming communities.
FANEP is administered through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act. This act called for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs.
Source:
Jennifer Martin
United States Department of Agriculture -- Research, Education and Economics
вторник, 3 мая 2011 г.
Post-Katrina Safety-Net Clinic Patients In New Orleans Report More Efficient And Affordable Health Care And Less Medical Debt Than Most U.S. Adults
A new Commonwealth Fund survey of safety-net clinic patients in New Orleans finds that, despite being disproportionately low-income and uninsured, these patients had fewer problems affording care and fewer instances of medical debt and inefficient care than most U.S. adults. In fact, the report, Coming Out of Crisis: Patient Experiences In Primary Care In New Orleans, Four Years Post Katrina, finds that, among the clinic patients surveyed, only 27 percent went without needed health care because of cost, compared with 41 percent of adults across the country.
According to the authors, this shows that the post-Katrina primary care pilot program-a system that relies primarily on a large network of local clinics funded by federal and local government, and given financial incentives to improve care-could serve as a national model for providing primary care to vulnerable groups.
"The health care safety net in New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but that also presented an opportunity to build something new from the ground up," said Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis. "It's exciting to see the impact that a real focus on primary care can have on the health of this vulnerable population. I hope that the lessons learned in New Orleans will be considered as we seek ways to provide high quality, affordable health care for more Americans."
With New Orleans' major public hospital and adjacent ambulatory sites closed, in 2007 the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Service gave a grant to the state of Louisiana that supported a network of independent neighborhood primary care centers in efforts to increase access to care and develop an organized system of care. The Commonwealth Fund survey was conducted 18 months after the grant was awarded to assess the impact of the project on patients' access to care and experiences, and provide lessons for national and state leaders on the value of strengthening primary care for vulnerable patients.
When the authors compared the 2009 survey of patients in 27 New Orleans health clinics to findings from The Commonwealth Fund's 2007 Biennial Survey, a nationally representative survey of the general population, they found that clinic patients were less worried about affordability overall. In fact, half of clinic patients (49%) reported they were confident they could afford needed care if they became seriously ill, compared with only 30 percent of adults in the general population. Medical debt was also less of a concern for clinic patients, with 34 percent reporting medical bills or debt problems compared to 40 percent in the U.S. overall. Unpaid medical bills were also a far greater problem among all U.S. adults than among clinic patients (28 percent vs. 18 percent).
Clinic patients also received care that was more efficient than the U.S. norm. According to the report, only 4 percent of clinic patients reported duplicate medical tests, or that medical records or test results were unavailable at their appointment, while overall, 34 percent of U.S. patients experienced such problems. Clinic patients also had more confidence in the health care system-three-quarters said they would be very confident in their ability to get high-quality and safe medical care; in contrast, only 39 percent of all U.S. adults were very confident that they could get high quality and safe care.
Additional Findings From The 2009 Commonwealth Fund Survey of Clinic Patients in New Orleans:
- 88 percent of patients found it is easy to get same or next-day appointments when sick, to access medical advice via telephone or during regular practice hours, or to get after-hours care (in the evenings, on weekends or on holidays).
- 79 percent of patients reported exceptional communication with their doctors and 85 percent said that their health needs are "very well" met in the clinics.
- Adults who reported "excellent patient experiences"-easy access to well-coordinated care and exceptional patient-doctor communication-were more likely to get recommended preventive services.
- New Orleans clinics serve a particularly vulnerable population: 72 percent of New Orleans clinic patients were uninsured at some point during the past year, compared with 28 percent of U.S. working age adults. Half of New Orleans clinic patients have incomes below 200 percent of poverty, compared with one-third of U.S. working-age adults.
"These findings reveal that strengthening primary care can be instrumental in helping to move the U.S. to a high performance health system," said Commonwealth Fund Assistant Vice President Melinda Abrams, a co-author of the report. "Provisions in the health care reform legislation currently being considered by Congress-including medical home pilots to test different payment methodologies, increased payment for primary care in Medicare, and loan forgiveness for physicians choosing careers in primary care-are steps towards the goal of improving health care for all Americans."
Methodology
Data come from the Commonwealth Fund 2009 Survey of Clinic Patients in New Orleans, an in-person survey conducted February 2, 2009, through April 2, 2009 with a sample of 1,573 clinic patients aged 18 and older or adults accompanying a child under the age of 18. The report limits the analysis to 1,231 respondents ages 18 to 64. The 20-minute, two-part, in-person surveys were conducted in 27 primary care and pediatric clinics across Orleans Parish that received funding from the Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant. The survey was conducted by Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS), a branch of AUS and ICR/International Communications Research. The survey sample was drawn from all eligible patients present at the clinics on interviewing days, consisting of those ages 18 and older and visiting the clinic as a patient or accompanying a child under the age of 18. A total of 2,021 individuals were approached for an interview and 448 refused. The response rate for the survey was 77.8 percent. The data are weighted in accordance with patient flow reports to ensure that each clinic is proportionally represented. The margin of error was +/- 2.92%; however, the margin-of-error calculations for non-random samples should be treated carefully. The report also includes estimates from the 2007 Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey, conducted among a nationally representative sample of 3,501 adults living in the continental U.S.
Source
Commonwealth Fund
According to the authors, this shows that the post-Katrina primary care pilot program-a system that relies primarily on a large network of local clinics funded by federal and local government, and given financial incentives to improve care-could serve as a national model for providing primary care to vulnerable groups.
"The health care safety net in New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but that also presented an opportunity to build something new from the ground up," said Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis. "It's exciting to see the impact that a real focus on primary care can have on the health of this vulnerable population. I hope that the lessons learned in New Orleans will be considered as we seek ways to provide high quality, affordable health care for more Americans."
With New Orleans' major public hospital and adjacent ambulatory sites closed, in 2007 the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Service gave a grant to the state of Louisiana that supported a network of independent neighborhood primary care centers in efforts to increase access to care and develop an organized system of care. The Commonwealth Fund survey was conducted 18 months after the grant was awarded to assess the impact of the project on patients' access to care and experiences, and provide lessons for national and state leaders on the value of strengthening primary care for vulnerable patients.
When the authors compared the 2009 survey of patients in 27 New Orleans health clinics to findings from The Commonwealth Fund's 2007 Biennial Survey, a nationally representative survey of the general population, they found that clinic patients were less worried about affordability overall. In fact, half of clinic patients (49%) reported they were confident they could afford needed care if they became seriously ill, compared with only 30 percent of adults in the general population. Medical debt was also less of a concern for clinic patients, with 34 percent reporting medical bills or debt problems compared to 40 percent in the U.S. overall. Unpaid medical bills were also a far greater problem among all U.S. adults than among clinic patients (28 percent vs. 18 percent).
Clinic patients also received care that was more efficient than the U.S. norm. According to the report, only 4 percent of clinic patients reported duplicate medical tests, or that medical records or test results were unavailable at their appointment, while overall, 34 percent of U.S. patients experienced such problems. Clinic patients also had more confidence in the health care system-three-quarters said they would be very confident in their ability to get high-quality and safe medical care; in contrast, only 39 percent of all U.S. adults were very confident that they could get high quality and safe care.
Additional Findings From The 2009 Commonwealth Fund Survey of Clinic Patients in New Orleans:
- 88 percent of patients found it is easy to get same or next-day appointments when sick, to access medical advice via telephone or during regular practice hours, or to get after-hours care (in the evenings, on weekends or on holidays).
- 79 percent of patients reported exceptional communication with their doctors and 85 percent said that their health needs are "very well" met in the clinics.
- Adults who reported "excellent patient experiences"-easy access to well-coordinated care and exceptional patient-doctor communication-were more likely to get recommended preventive services.
- New Orleans clinics serve a particularly vulnerable population: 72 percent of New Orleans clinic patients were uninsured at some point during the past year, compared with 28 percent of U.S. working age adults. Half of New Orleans clinic patients have incomes below 200 percent of poverty, compared with one-third of U.S. working-age adults.
"These findings reveal that strengthening primary care can be instrumental in helping to move the U.S. to a high performance health system," said Commonwealth Fund Assistant Vice President Melinda Abrams, a co-author of the report. "Provisions in the health care reform legislation currently being considered by Congress-including medical home pilots to test different payment methodologies, increased payment for primary care in Medicare, and loan forgiveness for physicians choosing careers in primary care-are steps towards the goal of improving health care for all Americans."
Methodology
Data come from the Commonwealth Fund 2009 Survey of Clinic Patients in New Orleans, an in-person survey conducted February 2, 2009, through April 2, 2009 with a sample of 1,573 clinic patients aged 18 and older or adults accompanying a child under the age of 18. The report limits the analysis to 1,231 respondents ages 18 to 64. The 20-minute, two-part, in-person surveys were conducted in 27 primary care and pediatric clinics across Orleans Parish that received funding from the Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant. The survey was conducted by Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS), a branch of AUS and ICR/International Communications Research. The survey sample was drawn from all eligible patients present at the clinics on interviewing days, consisting of those ages 18 and older and visiting the clinic as a patient or accompanying a child under the age of 18. A total of 2,021 individuals were approached for an interview and 448 refused. The response rate for the survey was 77.8 percent. The data are weighted in accordance with patient flow reports to ensure that each clinic is proportionally represented. The margin of error was +/- 2.92%; however, the margin-of-error calculations for non-random samples should be treated carefully. The report also includes estimates from the 2007 Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey, conducted among a nationally representative sample of 3,501 adults living in the continental U.S.
Source
Commonwealth Fund
понедельник, 2 мая 2011 г.
The American Red Cross Increases Aid To Haiti
The American Red Cross is contributing $600,000 for relief operations in areas of Haiti affected by a series of powerful hurricanes. Of the contribution, $500,000 is a grant from the U.S. Government's Agency for International Development/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) and will contribute to relief supplies including hygiene kits, buckets, mosquito nets, and five trained disaster workers. The additional $100,000 will be used for the procurement and distribution of shelter kits.
"Haitian Red Cross volunteers worked around the clock before and after these storms hit in rapid succession. They carried out evacuations, search and rescue, assisted in government-run shelters, provided first aid, assessed damages and distributed much-needed relief supplies," says Guillermo Garcia, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean for the American Red Cross. "The generosity of USAID/OFDA helps us maintain the flow of aid to the Red Cross workers already on the ground."
The American Red Cross maintains a 15-person office in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. As soon as Hurricane Gustav struck the island, American Red Cross staff began working hand-in-hand with the Haitian Red Cross in the response to Gustav and then Ike.
"We're watching closely for any new storms forming in the Atlantic," cautions Matthew Marek, Head of Programs for the American Red Cross in Haiti. "If one develops and stalls over Haiti, and dumps 30 inches of rain like recently happened in Puerto Rico, the impact on the people here and our relief efforts to help them is simply unimaginable."
The American Red Cross has additional relief supplies- such as tarps, kitchen sets, blankets, buckets, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets-pre-positioned in Panama and ready to mobilize if a call for more support comes.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.
American Red Cross
"Haitian Red Cross volunteers worked around the clock before and after these storms hit in rapid succession. They carried out evacuations, search and rescue, assisted in government-run shelters, provided first aid, assessed damages and distributed much-needed relief supplies," says Guillermo Garcia, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean for the American Red Cross. "The generosity of USAID/OFDA helps us maintain the flow of aid to the Red Cross workers already on the ground."
The American Red Cross maintains a 15-person office in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. As soon as Hurricane Gustav struck the island, American Red Cross staff began working hand-in-hand with the Haitian Red Cross in the response to Gustav and then Ike.
"We're watching closely for any new storms forming in the Atlantic," cautions Matthew Marek, Head of Programs for the American Red Cross in Haiti. "If one develops and stalls over Haiti, and dumps 30 inches of rain like recently happened in Puerto Rico, the impact on the people here and our relief efforts to help them is simply unimaginable."
The American Red Cross has additional relief supplies- such as tarps, kitchen sets, blankets, buckets, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets-pre-positioned in Panama and ready to mobilize if a call for more support comes.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.
American Red Cross
воскресенье, 1 мая 2011 г.
ZyDoc Offers Hurricane Katrina Disaster Transcription Support
ZyDoc, a technology leader in automated medical documentation solutions, announced free emergency transcription and medical record support for healthcare workers and organizations affected by the Katrina hurricane disaster. In view of the severity of the hurricane and widespread disruption of services, ZyDoc recognizes the need to fulfill the requirements of healthcare providers for medical transcription and documentation management.
With many hospitals in the effected area temporally closed or operating with limited services, the infrastructure for ongoing medical records will be severely limited. Coupled with the anticipated increase in medical services secondary to the disaster, and difficulties for healthcare providers and transcriptionists to travel or perform their duties, ZyDoc anticipates that there maybe an immediate need to offer transcription services and secure Internet based medical records to the medical community. The displaced victims will benefit from secure Internet based records that can be accessible from anywhere.
Jim Maisel, M.D., Chairman of ZyDoc explains, "The ZyDoc technology platform offers a number of advantages to the disaster area to overcome infrastructural limitations imposed by service outages and temporary personnel shortages and displacement of people. Physicians, hospitals, relief, legal, rescue and transcription companies can utilize ZyDoc infrastructure and transcription services starting work within minutes. ZyDoc intends to make our surplus capacity available immediately to the medical community on a first-come first-served basis at no charge until services can be restored."
Steve Koski, CEO and President of ZyDoc explains the operational aspects of the transcription and medical records service as follows: "Health-care workers will be able to dictate into handheld digital recorders or the ZyDoc TelDoc 800 toll-free servers. ZyDoc will supply fully edited transcription services, usually with overnight service as available, for these documents or provide Internet based ASP delivery of the voice files to the transcriptionists selected by the health-care users. Once transcribed, documents and voice files will be available immediately and securely via Internet access from any PC with a browser and stored for later access. The documents can also be automatically downloaded and printed to a PC, faxed or made available to share with authorized caregivers over the Internet. The ZyDoc carrier class datacenter has proven reliable without failure over the past two years and was operational even during the Northeast blackout. We intend to make our surplus capacity available immediately to the medical community on a first-come first-served basis at no charge."
Availability
Hurricane related services can be started by enrolling at the "try it free" link on the secure zydoc website and using the promo code: Katrina. Then contact the ZyDoc Operations Center at 631-273-6125 to receive your user login and password. Dictation can be started immediately using low-cost digital handheld recorders or the TelDoc 800 service. Completed documents will be available with secure confidential access by author on ZyDoc website. Documents can be faxed using the ZyDoc FaxDoc system and can be accessed or automatically downloaded and printed from any computer with Internet access.
Transcription ASP infrastructure solutions are also available to replace legacy and non-HIPAA-compliant services for transcription companies or hospitals that need infrastructure support. ZyDoc provides multimedia demonstrations, training, and support on an urgent or scheduled basis via the Internet at zydoc.webex and through an expansive nationwide network of Tech Data, Toshiba, and qualified integrators. For more information on ZyDoc Automated Medical Documentation Solutions visit zydoc or enroll at zydoc/leads.htm
About ZyDoc Corporation
ZyDoc is an award winning transcription service and software development company that provides automated electronic health-record documentation and infrastructure ASP legacy-replacement solutions. Physicians, transcriptionists, and other healthcare professionals use these services to produce, organize, and distribute multi-specialty patient electronic medical records (EMR) in Community Health Information Networks (CHIN). ZyDoc solves the PC illiteracy, data entry bottleneck, implementation, and cost issues that plague other clinical documentation and transcription companies. It uses transparent embedded technology that leverages front- and back-end speech recognition, workflow enhancements, and the Internet. ZyDoc is a development partner with SUNY Computer Sciences at Stony Brook, a ScanSoft platinum dealer, and an IBM Speech Premier Business Partner.
Jim Maisel, M.D.
Chairman, ZyDoc
ZyDoc Corporation
631-273-1963
James Maisel, M.D.
ZYDOC CORPORATION
jmaiselzydoc
631-273-1963
zydoc
With many hospitals in the effected area temporally closed or operating with limited services, the infrastructure for ongoing medical records will be severely limited. Coupled with the anticipated increase in medical services secondary to the disaster, and difficulties for healthcare providers and transcriptionists to travel or perform their duties, ZyDoc anticipates that there maybe an immediate need to offer transcription services and secure Internet based medical records to the medical community. The displaced victims will benefit from secure Internet based records that can be accessible from anywhere.
Jim Maisel, M.D., Chairman of ZyDoc explains, "The ZyDoc technology platform offers a number of advantages to the disaster area to overcome infrastructural limitations imposed by service outages and temporary personnel shortages and displacement of people. Physicians, hospitals, relief, legal, rescue and transcription companies can utilize ZyDoc infrastructure and transcription services starting work within minutes. ZyDoc intends to make our surplus capacity available immediately to the medical community on a first-come first-served basis at no charge until services can be restored."
Steve Koski, CEO and President of ZyDoc explains the operational aspects of the transcription and medical records service as follows: "Health-care workers will be able to dictate into handheld digital recorders or the ZyDoc TelDoc 800 toll-free servers. ZyDoc will supply fully edited transcription services, usually with overnight service as available, for these documents or provide Internet based ASP delivery of the voice files to the transcriptionists selected by the health-care users. Once transcribed, documents and voice files will be available immediately and securely via Internet access from any PC with a browser and stored for later access. The documents can also be automatically downloaded and printed to a PC, faxed or made available to share with authorized caregivers over the Internet. The ZyDoc carrier class datacenter has proven reliable without failure over the past two years and was operational even during the Northeast blackout. We intend to make our surplus capacity available immediately to the medical community on a first-come first-served basis at no charge."
Availability
Hurricane related services can be started by enrolling at the "try it free" link on the secure zydoc website and using the promo code: Katrina. Then contact the ZyDoc Operations Center at 631-273-6125 to receive your user login and password. Dictation can be started immediately using low-cost digital handheld recorders or the TelDoc 800 service. Completed documents will be available with secure confidential access by author on ZyDoc website. Documents can be faxed using the ZyDoc FaxDoc system and can be accessed or automatically downloaded and printed from any computer with Internet access.
Transcription ASP infrastructure solutions are also available to replace legacy and non-HIPAA-compliant services for transcription companies or hospitals that need infrastructure support. ZyDoc provides multimedia demonstrations, training, and support on an urgent or scheduled basis via the Internet at zydoc.webex and through an expansive nationwide network of Tech Data, Toshiba, and qualified integrators. For more information on ZyDoc Automated Medical Documentation Solutions visit zydoc or enroll at zydoc/leads.htm
About ZyDoc Corporation
ZyDoc is an award winning transcription service and software development company that provides automated electronic health-record documentation and infrastructure ASP legacy-replacement solutions. Physicians, transcriptionists, and other healthcare professionals use these services to produce, organize, and distribute multi-specialty patient electronic medical records (EMR) in Community Health Information Networks (CHIN). ZyDoc solves the PC illiteracy, data entry bottleneck, implementation, and cost issues that plague other clinical documentation and transcription companies. It uses transparent embedded technology that leverages front- and back-end speech recognition, workflow enhancements, and the Internet. ZyDoc is a development partner with SUNY Computer Sciences at Stony Brook, a ScanSoft platinum dealer, and an IBM Speech Premier Business Partner.
Jim Maisel, M.D.
Chairman, ZyDoc
ZyDoc Corporation
631-273-1963
James Maisel, M.D.
ZYDOC CORPORATION
jmaiselzydoc
631-273-1963
zydoc
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