The latest issue of the peer reviewed Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (JHCPU) addresses the detrimental effects of Hurricane Katrina, on the management of health care in this country and on the continued suffering of many Americans as a result of the natural tragedy.
Meharry Medical College President Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MBA, wrote the forward to this edition revealing his own personal experiences in providing healthcare to evacuees and taking in several of his own family members, including his parents.
"Hurricane Katrina served as a great equalizer when anyone left in the surrounding area found them selves helpless - without anything - including access to healthcare," said Dr. Riley. "The devastation of this event served as a wake up call to the nation when we realized that we were not equipped to handle the impact of the disaster."
Limitations of the Healthcare System During a National Disaster
Studies in the JHCPU show that there are clear limitations in the healthcare system during times of crisis. For instance, those suffering from chronic diseases found it difficult to obtain proper medical treatment, follow-up care, and prescription medications.
One study published in the journal deals with the effects of managing chronic diseases in children. Children with conditions like asthma were at an increased risk of suffering adverse outcomes as a result of the hurricane. Some of the reasons include lack of access to medication and a deterioration of the quality of the environment due to mold and mildew from the flooding.
Another study on the hospital system states that patients had to be evacuated because of loss of power, water and sewer services. Federal assistance and rescue efforts were late coming and unsuccessful so many hospitals turned into places of death.
Journal for Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
JHCPU has as its goal the dissemination of information on the health of, and health care for, low-income and other medically underserved communities to health care practitioners, policy makers, and community leaders who are in a position to effect meaningful change. Issues dealt with include access to, quality of, and cost of health care. Journal for Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College is the nation's largest private, independent historically black institution dedicated solely to educating minority and other health professionals. The College is particularly well known for its uniquely nurturing, highly effective educational programs; emerging preeminence in health disparities research; culturally sensitive, evidence-based health services; and significant contribution to the diversity of the nation's health professions workforce.
Meharry Medical College
1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Jr. Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37203
USA
mmc
суббота, 30 апреля 2011 г.
пятница, 29 апреля 2011 г.
After January's Quake, Humanitarian Action In Haiti Averts Worse Crisis For Children, But Much Remains To Be Done
Three months after the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti and left its mark on over a million children, UNICEF today reports that the unprecedented humanitarian response has averted a worse crisis for children - but warns that there is much still to be done, not least as Haiti approaches the annual rainy season.
In its summary of activities after the 12 January quake -Children of Haiti: Three Months After the Earthquake - UNICEF notes that despite massive destruction and disruption to key services:
1. there has been no significant disease outbreak or increase in malnutrition rates
2. over a million affected people are receiving clean drinking water
3. over 200,000 women and children are benefiting from selective feeding programmes
4. mass vaccination campaigns have reached over 100,000 children to date
5. residential child care centres hosting more than 25,000 children have been assessed and provided with urgent food and medicines to ensure wellbeing of children and;
6. schools have begun to open in temporary accommodation, with the provision of thousands of tents and hundreds of sets of learning and teaching materials.
However, the report also highlights key challenges in areas such as provision of sanitation, risks of violence against women and girls living in displacement camps, and the broader issue of much-reduced government and civil society capacity. Many government ministries and departments lost buildings, personnel and vital data.
UNICEF identifies urgent provision of improved shelter for displaced families, increased provision of basic services and strengthened protection of women and children as urgent priorities. UNICEF is working already with other organizations to support the safe relocation of families living in the most vulnerable camps to new locations ahead of the rainy season.
The report also calls for support for 'transformative agenda' for Haiti's children, which places children at the centre of recovery and reconstruction efforts. In particular, UNICEF singles out tackling the trend of chronic malnutrition, creating a protective environment for children, and ensuring education for every child as critical priorities for the future development of the country.
These priorities, says the report, stand out as both urgent in the short term and essential to the progressive and full realization of rights by children.
Source
UNICEF
In its summary of activities after the 12 January quake -Children of Haiti: Three Months After the Earthquake - UNICEF notes that despite massive destruction and disruption to key services:
1. there has been no significant disease outbreak or increase in malnutrition rates
2. over a million affected people are receiving clean drinking water
3. over 200,000 women and children are benefiting from selective feeding programmes
4. mass vaccination campaigns have reached over 100,000 children to date
5. residential child care centres hosting more than 25,000 children have been assessed and provided with urgent food and medicines to ensure wellbeing of children and;
6. schools have begun to open in temporary accommodation, with the provision of thousands of tents and hundreds of sets of learning and teaching materials.
However, the report also highlights key challenges in areas such as provision of sanitation, risks of violence against women and girls living in displacement camps, and the broader issue of much-reduced government and civil society capacity. Many government ministries and departments lost buildings, personnel and vital data.
UNICEF identifies urgent provision of improved shelter for displaced families, increased provision of basic services and strengthened protection of women and children as urgent priorities. UNICEF is working already with other organizations to support the safe relocation of families living in the most vulnerable camps to new locations ahead of the rainy season.
The report also calls for support for 'transformative agenda' for Haiti's children, which places children at the centre of recovery and reconstruction efforts. In particular, UNICEF singles out tackling the trend of chronic malnutrition, creating a protective environment for children, and ensuring education for every child as critical priorities for the future development of the country.
These priorities, says the report, stand out as both urgent in the short term and essential to the progressive and full realization of rights by children.
Source
UNICEF
четверг, 28 апреля 2011 г.
Health Information Technology "Control Tower" Could Improve Earthquake Response
A new study published by researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College and the University of California, Davis, foresees improvements in patient outcomes after a major earthquake through more effective use of information technology. A control tower-style telemedicine hub to manage electronic traffic between first responders and remote medical experts could boost the likelihood that critically injured victims will get timely care and survive, according to the team's computer simulation model.
"Since its introduction in the 1970s, telemedicine -- the electronic linkage of health care providers and recipients -- has held promise for improved disaster response outcomes. As information technology becomes pervasive, we want to ensure that systems are in place to fully realize its potential for helping patients -- particularly for emergency response," says study senior author Dr. Nathaniel Hupert, associate professor of public health and medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and co-director of the Cornell Institute for Disease and Disaster Preparedness.
The team's results, published in the Journal of Medical Systems, show that introducing telemedicine linkages between remote specialists and immediate responders in the aftermath of a widespread disaster like an earthquake could decrease both patient waiting times and hospitalization rates at nearby hospitals, while increasing the likelihood that patients with life-threatening injuries receive appropriate care -- as compared with standard emergency department-based triage and treatment.
These findings demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary approaches to complex issues at the border between medicine, public health and logistics, says study lead author Dr. Wei Xiong, assistant professor of public health at Weill Cornell Medical College. "We applied engineering methods more commonly used to analyze queuing systems like telephone call centers and road traffic planning to look at how to effectively manage this new type of emergency medical care."
"We know that when disasters strike, local hospitals, clinics and medical personnel can be completely overwhelmed," says co-author Dr. Aaron Bair, associate professor of emergency medicine and interim director of the UC Davis Center for Health and Technology. "We focused on testing how telemedicine can expedite response, enabling help to get to where it is needed in a relatively short timeframe. Our results show telemedicine improves emergency care at the disaster site -- providing care for more patients sooner, reducing waiting times for treatment and permitting more efficient use of scarce medical resources."
According to the study's principal investigator, Dr. Christian Sandrock, an assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine and a county public health officer in Northern California, high-speed telecommunications links would offer critical benefits for emergency teams when they are responding to a disaster. "We think telemedicine can reduce mortality rates following a disaster by bolstering medical triage capabilities of emergency care providers." He adds, "By helping disaster victims avoid the time it takes to be transported to a designated area for treatment, telemedicine can enable medical teams to actually spend more time caring for patients, so you save lives."
Telemedicine technology is already being tested in the emergency medicine setting. One system of "medical kiosks" in Australia makes use of webcam-equipped laptops, satellite terminals and telemedicine equipment -- including ECG monitors and blood pressure equipment -- to allow physicians to remotely assess patients and give medical advice. The current study focuses on how to manage the multiple data streams resulting from use of such technology in the setting of a mass-casualty disaster like an earthquake.
vAdditional co-authors include Sophia Wang of Cayuga Partners, Ithaca, N.Y.; and Javeed Siddiqui of UC Davis.
The study is available here.
Source:
Cornell Institute for Disease and Disaster Preparedness
Weill Cornell Medical College
UC Davis Health System
"Since its introduction in the 1970s, telemedicine -- the electronic linkage of health care providers and recipients -- has held promise for improved disaster response outcomes. As information technology becomes pervasive, we want to ensure that systems are in place to fully realize its potential for helping patients -- particularly for emergency response," says study senior author Dr. Nathaniel Hupert, associate professor of public health and medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and co-director of the Cornell Institute for Disease and Disaster Preparedness.
The team's results, published in the Journal of Medical Systems, show that introducing telemedicine linkages between remote specialists and immediate responders in the aftermath of a widespread disaster like an earthquake could decrease both patient waiting times and hospitalization rates at nearby hospitals, while increasing the likelihood that patients with life-threatening injuries receive appropriate care -- as compared with standard emergency department-based triage and treatment.
These findings demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary approaches to complex issues at the border between medicine, public health and logistics, says study lead author Dr. Wei Xiong, assistant professor of public health at Weill Cornell Medical College. "We applied engineering methods more commonly used to analyze queuing systems like telephone call centers and road traffic planning to look at how to effectively manage this new type of emergency medical care."
"We know that when disasters strike, local hospitals, clinics and medical personnel can be completely overwhelmed," says co-author Dr. Aaron Bair, associate professor of emergency medicine and interim director of the UC Davis Center for Health and Technology. "We focused on testing how telemedicine can expedite response, enabling help to get to where it is needed in a relatively short timeframe. Our results show telemedicine improves emergency care at the disaster site -- providing care for more patients sooner, reducing waiting times for treatment and permitting more efficient use of scarce medical resources."
According to the study's principal investigator, Dr. Christian Sandrock, an assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine and a county public health officer in Northern California, high-speed telecommunications links would offer critical benefits for emergency teams when they are responding to a disaster. "We think telemedicine can reduce mortality rates following a disaster by bolstering medical triage capabilities of emergency care providers." He adds, "By helping disaster victims avoid the time it takes to be transported to a designated area for treatment, telemedicine can enable medical teams to actually spend more time caring for patients, so you save lives."
Telemedicine technology is already being tested in the emergency medicine setting. One system of "medical kiosks" in Australia makes use of webcam-equipped laptops, satellite terminals and telemedicine equipment -- including ECG monitors and blood pressure equipment -- to allow physicians to remotely assess patients and give medical advice. The current study focuses on how to manage the multiple data streams resulting from use of such technology in the setting of a mass-casualty disaster like an earthquake.
vAdditional co-authors include Sophia Wang of Cayuga Partners, Ithaca, N.Y.; and Javeed Siddiqui of UC Davis.
The study is available here.
Source:
Cornell Institute for Disease and Disaster Preparedness
Weill Cornell Medical College
UC Davis Health System
среда, 27 апреля 2011 г.
Sanford-Brown College Students Help In Missouri Flood Relief
Eighteen Sanford-Brown students assisted Missouri community residents who were impacted by raging Mississippi waters, last week. In addition to sand bagging, the nursing students ensured that Clarksville families were educated on proper sanitation, the importance of hand washing, dehydration, heat stroke and insect bites.
Julia Leeman, president of Sanford-Brown College St. Peters, said, "As a neighboring community, giving back is important to us."
After walking through the affected area, the students noted that there was not an appropriate number of public washrooms or sufficient drinking water; and partnered with the Missouri National Guard to get portable restrooms and fresh water onsite.
Clarksville, a historic artists' town of 500 between St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri, was swamped on Wednesday. The Sanford-Brown team spoke to the elderly and disabled to determine their needs; and transported water to fill portable stations.
About Sanford-Brown College
Sanford-Brown College is an in-demand career training and degree-granting institution with a 142-year history in the St. Louis area. Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. With campuses in Collinsville, Ill., Fenton, Mo., Hazelwood, Mo., St. Peters, Mo., Milwaukee, Wis. and Cleveland, Ohio, Sanford-Brown College offers career-oriented programs in the fields of health care, business, criminal justice, and more. Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Missouri League for Nursing and the Missouri Healthcare Association, and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Sanford-Brown College
Julia Leeman, president of Sanford-Brown College St. Peters, said, "As a neighboring community, giving back is important to us."
After walking through the affected area, the students noted that there was not an appropriate number of public washrooms or sufficient drinking water; and partnered with the Missouri National Guard to get portable restrooms and fresh water onsite.
Clarksville, a historic artists' town of 500 between St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri, was swamped on Wednesday. The Sanford-Brown team spoke to the elderly and disabled to determine their needs; and transported water to fill portable stations.
About Sanford-Brown College
Sanford-Brown College is an in-demand career training and degree-granting institution with a 142-year history in the St. Louis area. Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. With campuses in Collinsville, Ill., Fenton, Mo., Hazelwood, Mo., St. Peters, Mo., Milwaukee, Wis. and Cleveland, Ohio, Sanford-Brown College offers career-oriented programs in the fields of health care, business, criminal justice, and more. Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Missouri League for Nursing and the Missouri Healthcare Association, and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Sanford-Brown College
вторник, 26 апреля 2011 г.
New Study Finds That Some 55,000 Children Who Were Displaced Following Hurricane Katrina Face Long Term Health, Mental And Educational Crises
Two and a half years after
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the flooding of New Orleans displaced tens
of thousands of families in the Gulf Coast region, between 46,000 and
64,000 children remain at-risk for long-term health and social problems,
according to a new study issued today by Columbia University's Mailman
School of Public Health and The Children's Health Fund. Although many of
the children who were displaced have returned to their home communities or
home states, according to census and school enrollment data, they still
face inadequate housing, unsafe communities, and inadequate access to
comprehensive medical and mental health care.
The study found this displaced group at risk for a host of serious
medical and mental health as well as educational problems, complicated by
highly limited support services. More than half of the 55,000 displaced
children in Louisiana (55.4%) and nearly half in Mississippi (47.1%) have
been estimated to exhibit one of three "risk factors" that can have a long
term or permanent impacts on their lives: a substantial drop in academic
achievement, according to their parents; lost access to health care (either
medical home or insurance coverage); or clinically-diagnosed depression,
anxiety or behavior disorder.
The study, "The Legacy of Katrina's Children: Estimating the Numbers of
Hurricane-Related At-Risk Children in the Gulf Coast States of Louisiana &
Mississippi," is a collaboration between Columbia University Mailman School
of Public Health and The Children's Health Fund. Overseen by Irwin
Redlener, MD, the study was led by David Abramson, PhD, MPH, director of
research at the Mailman School's National Center for Disaster Preparedness
(NCDP). The research focuses on children in Louisiana and Mississippi who
had been displaced by the hurricane, and who may be among the most needy.
Irwin Redlener, MD, director of NCDP and president of the Children's
Health Fund said, "This may be the most severe acute crisis affecting
American children since the 1950s". He continued, "It's been two and a half
years since the Hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast region, and the level
of uncertainty among tens of thousands of families who still do not have
adequate permanent housing for families has manifested itself in the
children, with a distressing rise of mental health and medical issues, as
well as a drop in academic performance that can have painful and permanent
consequences. In fact, these families would be officially recognized as
'Internally Displaced Persons' by international humanitarian
organizations."
Dr. Abramson added, "Since the disaster, our research team has been
following a representative group of families and households who had been
displaced by Katrina. Some families are having success rebuilding their
homes and their lives. But many families are finding that as they return to
communities, old problems persist and a number of new problems emerge.
There are still children living in temporary or transient housing, such as
FEMA trailer parks, and their parents are struggling to find new housing
options. Our intention with this study was to estimate the magnitude of the
problem - how many children are at-risk, whether they are living in trailer
parks or are back in the community."
-- The total number of individuals in both Louisiana and Mississippi who
had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina is estimated at 447,827,
including an estimated 163,105 children.
-- Based on census data, an estimated range of 82,000 to 95,000 children
have returned to their home community or home state. There are
approximately 11,000 children still residing in trailer park settings.
-- Between 46,582 and 64,934 children are estimated to have been
displaced by Hurricane Katrina and are presently experiencing a risk
factor that puts them at risk for long-term poor outcomes.
The Study concluded that the estimates found in the report represent
the increased risks suffered by children in these two states (Louisiana and
Mississippi) because of the hurricane and their subsequent displacement.
The Children's Health Fund (CHF) (childrenshealthfund) Founded
in 1987 by pediatrician/child advocate Irwin Redlener, MD, and
singer/songwriter Paul Simon, CHF is a not-for-profit organization that
works nationally to develop health care programs for the most medically
underserved population -- homeless and disadvantaged children. CHF's 21
pediatric programs have provided essential primary care services in more
than one million patient visits. Soon after Hurricane Katrina devastated
thousands of miles of the Gulf Coast, CHF responded to the urgent public
health needs by establishing Operation Assist, a collaboration with the
National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at the Mailman School of
Public Health at Columbia University.
The only accredited school of public health in New York City, and among
the first in the nation, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public
Health (mailman.hs.columbia) provides instruction and research
opportunities to more than 850 graduate students in pursuit of masters and
doctoral degrees. Its students and nearly 250 multi-disciplinary faculty
engage in research and service in the city, nation, and around the world,
concentrating on biostatistics, environmental health sciences,
epidemiology, health policy and management, population and family health,
and sociomedical sciences.
The Children's Health Fund
childrenshealthfund
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the flooding of New Orleans displaced tens
of thousands of families in the Gulf Coast region, between 46,000 and
64,000 children remain at-risk for long-term health and social problems,
according to a new study issued today by Columbia University's Mailman
School of Public Health and The Children's Health Fund. Although many of
the children who were displaced have returned to their home communities or
home states, according to census and school enrollment data, they still
face inadequate housing, unsafe communities, and inadequate access to
comprehensive medical and mental health care.
The study found this displaced group at risk for a host of serious
medical and mental health as well as educational problems, complicated by
highly limited support services. More than half of the 55,000 displaced
children in Louisiana (55.4%) and nearly half in Mississippi (47.1%) have
been estimated to exhibit one of three "risk factors" that can have a long
term or permanent impacts on their lives: a substantial drop in academic
achievement, according to their parents; lost access to health care (either
medical home or insurance coverage); or clinically-diagnosed depression,
anxiety or behavior disorder.
The study, "The Legacy of Katrina's Children: Estimating the Numbers of
Hurricane-Related At-Risk Children in the Gulf Coast States of Louisiana &
Mississippi," is a collaboration between Columbia University Mailman School
of Public Health and The Children's Health Fund. Overseen by Irwin
Redlener, MD, the study was led by David Abramson, PhD, MPH, director of
research at the Mailman School's National Center for Disaster Preparedness
(NCDP). The research focuses on children in Louisiana and Mississippi who
had been displaced by the hurricane, and who may be among the most needy.
Irwin Redlener, MD, director of NCDP and president of the Children's
Health Fund said, "This may be the most severe acute crisis affecting
American children since the 1950s". He continued, "It's been two and a half
years since the Hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast region, and the level
of uncertainty among tens of thousands of families who still do not have
adequate permanent housing for families has manifested itself in the
children, with a distressing rise of mental health and medical issues, as
well as a drop in academic performance that can have painful and permanent
consequences. In fact, these families would be officially recognized as
'Internally Displaced Persons' by international humanitarian
organizations."
Dr. Abramson added, "Since the disaster, our research team has been
following a representative group of families and households who had been
displaced by Katrina. Some families are having success rebuilding their
homes and their lives. But many families are finding that as they return to
communities, old problems persist and a number of new problems emerge.
There are still children living in temporary or transient housing, such as
FEMA trailer parks, and their parents are struggling to find new housing
options. Our intention with this study was to estimate the magnitude of the
problem - how many children are at-risk, whether they are living in trailer
parks or are back in the community."
-- The total number of individuals in both Louisiana and Mississippi who
had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina is estimated at 447,827,
including an estimated 163,105 children.
-- Based on census data, an estimated range of 82,000 to 95,000 children
have returned to their home community or home state. There are
approximately 11,000 children still residing in trailer park settings.
-- Between 46,582 and 64,934 children are estimated to have been
displaced by Hurricane Katrina and are presently experiencing a risk
factor that puts them at risk for long-term poor outcomes.
The Study concluded that the estimates found in the report represent
the increased risks suffered by children in these two states (Louisiana and
Mississippi) because of the hurricane and their subsequent displacement.
The Children's Health Fund (CHF) (childrenshealthfund) Founded
in 1987 by pediatrician/child advocate Irwin Redlener, MD, and
singer/songwriter Paul Simon, CHF is a not-for-profit organization that
works nationally to develop health care programs for the most medically
underserved population -- homeless and disadvantaged children. CHF's 21
pediatric programs have provided essential primary care services in more
than one million patient visits. Soon after Hurricane Katrina devastated
thousands of miles of the Gulf Coast, CHF responded to the urgent public
health needs by establishing Operation Assist, a collaboration with the
National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at the Mailman School of
Public Health at Columbia University.
The only accredited school of public health in New York City, and among
the first in the nation, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public
Health (mailman.hs.columbia) provides instruction and research
opportunities to more than 850 graduate students in pursuit of masters and
doctoral degrees. Its students and nearly 250 multi-disciplinary faculty
engage in research and service in the city, nation, and around the world,
concentrating on biostatistics, environmental health sciences,
epidemiology, health policy and management, population and family health,
and sociomedical sciences.
The Children's Health Fund
childrenshealthfund
понедельник, 25 апреля 2011 г.
Princess Hata & WFP Chief Call For More To Be Done For Suffering Lebanese
DAMASCUS, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, WFP Goodwill Ambassador, today joined James Morris, WFP Executive Director, on a one-day visit to Lebanese refugees in Syria. Together they urged increased
assistance in alleviating the suffering on both sides of the border.
"Politicians must stand up together to put an end to this senseless
conflict by making humanity the priority," said Princess Haya. "This would
be by allowing food to reach the source of the problem without
interference, and by allowing us to distribute the food to make our
children's lives bearable and to give them some of that hope they
desperately need right now," said Princess Haya.
"With every day that the fighting continues, we are going to see more
misery and more displaced people fleeing across the border. We have to do
everything we can to ease their suffering and to ensure that hunger does
not make their plight even worse," said Morris, who arrived late last night
on his first official visit to Syria.
Morris said that the overnight bombing of the highway north from Beirut to
the Syrian border had cut the road in at least three places, effectively
severing a vital humanitarian lifeline between Lebanon and the outside
world. As a result, today WFP has postponed its planned supply convoy from
the humanitarian hub in Arida, Syria.
"The destruction of this vital supply route has serious repercussions for
the overall relief effort in Lebanon," Morris said.
WFP-managed convoys have been making regular deliveries of humanitarian
staff and cargo over the border from Arida, which was one of the few safe
crossing points still open to traffic between the two countries. Over the
past few days, thousands of refugees have been flooding over the border to
escape the fighting.
Morris expressed concern that so far, WFP had only been able to reach less
than half the people in southern Lebanon requiring food assistance. Today,
only one of the two planned convoys managed to proceed (to Jezzine) due to
overnight bombardment in the suburbs of South Beirut. The convoy planned
for Tyre and Rashidiyeh did not go ahead as the truck drivers were unable
to leave their apartments.
The hampering of road deliveries makes the start of WFP flights today
directly into Beirut even more important. This morning, 10 tons of WFP
high energy biscuits and 2 tons of other essential supplies departed from
the UN Humanitarian Depot in Brindisi, Italy, aboard a C-130 Hercules
aircraft, made possible by the generous offer from the Government of
Portugal. The aircraft is expected to conduct four rotations between Friday
and Monday, delivering a total of 42 metric tons of WFP high-energy
biscuits, four tons of medical supplies for the World Health Organisation
as well as other urgently-needed relief supplies.
"We are grateful to the Syrian and Portuguese governments in lending their
support to our humanitarian operation. It is challenging work demanding our
combined efforts," said Morris.
Since starting its convoys last week (26 July), WFP has delivered a total
of 280 metric tons of food into the south, enough for 80,000 people for one
week. WFP convoys carrying food and other relief items on behalf of WHO,
UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNRWA and several NGOs, have been severely hampered by security and logistical problems, including damaged roads, forcing long
detours over difficult terrain, as well as mechanical breakdowns.
In Syria, WFP started on Monday (31 July) to distribute food aid to nearly
7,000 Lebanese people who have taken refuge in the capital, Damascus, over
recent weeks. The agency will distribute three tons of bread each day to
the beneficiaries who are living in schools or abandoned public buildings.
Current indications suggest the number of refugees needing assistance in
Damascus could rise to 20,000 people in the coming days. Distributions of
food aid are due to begin shortly in central and northern Syria.
WFP operations within the UN flash appeal have been budgeted at a total
US$48 million, including logistical support and an emergency operation to
provide food aid, valued at US$8.9 million, to respond to the immediate
food needs of displaced Lebanese. WFP is prioritising assistance to 95,000
displaced people seeking shelter in schools and public institutions in
Beirut, 165,000 people in the heaviest-hit areas in southern Lebanon and
50,000 of the approximately 140,000 people in Syria who have fled the
conflict.
With the situation deteriorating by the day, WFP plans to expand its
assistance in both Syria and Lebanon.
"I implore the international community to put a stop to the violence and
cease the rhetoric. Dialogue and action is what is required now to make
this region a better place for the adults of tomorrow, who have so much to
give and to offer the world in return," stressed Princess Haya. "If we turn
our backs on them, we will see our world plummeting into a vicious cycle of
violence, from which there is no foreseeable positive future," Princess
Haya said.
"So many people have lost their lives in this conflict. Peace must be
restored so that we can help these survivors return home to rebuild their
lives," said Morris.
Of the US$8.9 million required for its emergency operation to provide food
aid to 300,000 displaced people in Lebanon and Syria, WFP has received
donations from Saudi Arabia (US$2 million), Australia (US$1 million),
Denmark (US$168,351) and Luxembourg (US$314,000). For its special
operations, including logistics serving other humanitarian partners, WFP
has received donations from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (US$3
million), the United States (US$3 million), Norway (US$1.1 million),
Denmark (US$673,400), Germany (US$510,000) and Australia (US$480,000).
WFP is appealing for urgent funds for its Lebanon
operation and would appreciate specific mention of our Donate Online page
at wfp/donate
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 -- We Feed People. Visit our website: wfp
assistance in alleviating the suffering on both sides of the border.
"Politicians must stand up together to put an end to this senseless
conflict by making humanity the priority," said Princess Haya. "This would
be by allowing food to reach the source of the problem without
interference, and by allowing us to distribute the food to make our
children's lives bearable and to give them some of that hope they
desperately need right now," said Princess Haya.
"With every day that the fighting continues, we are going to see more
misery and more displaced people fleeing across the border. We have to do
everything we can to ease their suffering and to ensure that hunger does
not make their plight even worse," said Morris, who arrived late last night
on his first official visit to Syria.
Morris said that the overnight bombing of the highway north from Beirut to
the Syrian border had cut the road in at least three places, effectively
severing a vital humanitarian lifeline between Lebanon and the outside
world. As a result, today WFP has postponed its planned supply convoy from
the humanitarian hub in Arida, Syria.
"The destruction of this vital supply route has serious repercussions for
the overall relief effort in Lebanon," Morris said.
WFP-managed convoys have been making regular deliveries of humanitarian
staff and cargo over the border from Arida, which was one of the few safe
crossing points still open to traffic between the two countries. Over the
past few days, thousands of refugees have been flooding over the border to
escape the fighting.
Morris expressed concern that so far, WFP had only been able to reach less
than half the people in southern Lebanon requiring food assistance. Today,
only one of the two planned convoys managed to proceed (to Jezzine) due to
overnight bombardment in the suburbs of South Beirut. The convoy planned
for Tyre and Rashidiyeh did not go ahead as the truck drivers were unable
to leave their apartments.
The hampering of road deliveries makes the start of WFP flights today
directly into Beirut even more important. This morning, 10 tons of WFP
high energy biscuits and 2 tons of other essential supplies departed from
the UN Humanitarian Depot in Brindisi, Italy, aboard a C-130 Hercules
aircraft, made possible by the generous offer from the Government of
Portugal. The aircraft is expected to conduct four rotations between Friday
and Monday, delivering a total of 42 metric tons of WFP high-energy
biscuits, four tons of medical supplies for the World Health Organisation
as well as other urgently-needed relief supplies.
"We are grateful to the Syrian and Portuguese governments in lending their
support to our humanitarian operation. It is challenging work demanding our
combined efforts," said Morris.
Since starting its convoys last week (26 July), WFP has delivered a total
of 280 metric tons of food into the south, enough for 80,000 people for one
week. WFP convoys carrying food and other relief items on behalf of WHO,
UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNRWA and several NGOs, have been severely hampered by security and logistical problems, including damaged roads, forcing long
detours over difficult terrain, as well as mechanical breakdowns.
In Syria, WFP started on Monday (31 July) to distribute food aid to nearly
7,000 Lebanese people who have taken refuge in the capital, Damascus, over
recent weeks. The agency will distribute three tons of bread each day to
the beneficiaries who are living in schools or abandoned public buildings.
Current indications suggest the number of refugees needing assistance in
Damascus could rise to 20,000 people in the coming days. Distributions of
food aid are due to begin shortly in central and northern Syria.
WFP operations within the UN flash appeal have been budgeted at a total
US$48 million, including logistical support and an emergency operation to
provide food aid, valued at US$8.9 million, to respond to the immediate
food needs of displaced Lebanese. WFP is prioritising assistance to 95,000
displaced people seeking shelter in schools and public institutions in
Beirut, 165,000 people in the heaviest-hit areas in southern Lebanon and
50,000 of the approximately 140,000 people in Syria who have fled the
conflict.
With the situation deteriorating by the day, WFP plans to expand its
assistance in both Syria and Lebanon.
"I implore the international community to put a stop to the violence and
cease the rhetoric. Dialogue and action is what is required now to make
this region a better place for the adults of tomorrow, who have so much to
give and to offer the world in return," stressed Princess Haya. "If we turn
our backs on them, we will see our world plummeting into a vicious cycle of
violence, from which there is no foreseeable positive future," Princess
Haya said.
"So many people have lost their lives in this conflict. Peace must be
restored so that we can help these survivors return home to rebuild their
lives," said Morris.
Of the US$8.9 million required for its emergency operation to provide food
aid to 300,000 displaced people in Lebanon and Syria, WFP has received
donations from Saudi Arabia (US$2 million), Australia (US$1 million),
Denmark (US$168,351) and Luxembourg (US$314,000). For its special
operations, including logistics serving other humanitarian partners, WFP
has received donations from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (US$3
million), the United States (US$3 million), Norway (US$1.1 million),
Denmark (US$673,400), Germany (US$510,000) and Australia (US$480,000).
WFP is appealing for urgent funds for its Lebanon
operation and would appreciate specific mention of our Donate Online page
at wfp/donate
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 -- We Feed People. Visit our website: wfp
воскресенье, 24 апреля 2011 г.
American Red Cross Urges Planning In Wake Of Storms
As the nation continues
to grapple with severe weather conditions throughout the High Plains and
into the south, the American Red Cross is asking the public to immediately
prepare for the potential increase in storm activity.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a
warning for possibly another line of severe thunderstorms, which could
unexpectedly develop into tornado activity. In the wake of this latest
warning the Red Cross is issuing the following guidelines for storm
preparation:
-- Make a plan for safe shelter -- It is important to know the safest
locations to take cover from a storm at home, work and school. Locate a
basement, center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor where
everyone should gather. The area should be windowless and free of
objects that can become projectiles during high winds. If you are in a
high-rise building there may not be time to reach a lower floor before
the storm hits. Head to the center of the building.
-- Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit -- Kits should contain a first aid
kit and essential medications; three-day supply of canned or non-
perishable food and manual can opener; at least three gallons of water
per person; flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra
batteries; and other emergency items for the whole family, including
pets. Prepare a personal size kit to keep at work and in the car. For
more information on what to include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit,
log on to the Get Prepared section of the Red Cross website at
redcross.
-- Stay Informed of Warnings -- Listen to your local radio and TV stations
for updated storm information. Check with your local emergency
management office to see if email and cell phone weather alerts are
available in your area. A tornado WATCH means there is the possibility
of tornado activity in your area. When a tornado WARNING is issued,
immediately head to your planned safe shelter. If you are outside,
hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying
area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head
for safety.
The best way to stay protected against dangerous weather is to prepare
and plan well before a storm hits. The Red Cross has information on
preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters, including the Be Red
Cross Ready online educational presentation at
redcross/beredcrossready and the Safe and Well Web site,
accessible from redcross. Safe and Well allows disaster
victims to post standard messages letting family and friends know of their
safety and how to contact them. For more information contact your local Red
Cross chapter.
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.
to grapple with severe weather conditions throughout the High Plains and
into the south, the American Red Cross is asking the public to immediately
prepare for the potential increase in storm activity.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a
warning for possibly another line of severe thunderstorms, which could
unexpectedly develop into tornado activity. In the wake of this latest
warning the Red Cross is issuing the following guidelines for storm
preparation:
-- Make a plan for safe shelter -- It is important to know the safest
locations to take cover from a storm at home, work and school. Locate a
basement, center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor where
everyone should gather. The area should be windowless and free of
objects that can become projectiles during high winds. If you are in a
high-rise building there may not be time to reach a lower floor before
the storm hits. Head to the center of the building.
-- Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit -- Kits should contain a first aid
kit and essential medications; three-day supply of canned or non-
perishable food and manual can opener; at least three gallons of water
per person; flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra
batteries; and other emergency items for the whole family, including
pets. Prepare a personal size kit to keep at work and in the car. For
more information on what to include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit,
log on to the Get Prepared section of the Red Cross website at
redcross.
-- Stay Informed of Warnings -- Listen to your local radio and TV stations
for updated storm information. Check with your local emergency
management office to see if email and cell phone weather alerts are
available in your area. A tornado WATCH means there is the possibility
of tornado activity in your area. When a tornado WARNING is issued,
immediately head to your planned safe shelter. If you are outside,
hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying
area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head
for safety.
The best way to stay protected against dangerous weather is to prepare
and plan well before a storm hits. The Red Cross has information on
preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters, including the Be Red
Cross Ready online educational presentation at
redcross/beredcrossready and the Safe and Well Web site,
accessible from redcross. Safe and Well allows disaster
victims to post standard messages letting family and friends know of their
safety and how to contact them. For more information contact your local Red
Cross chapter.
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.
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