Merlin is ramping up our work in Pakistan to respond to the approaching peak of malaria season.
"We must be prepared to respond to as many as two million cases of malaria over the next four months in all areas that are mildly or severely flood-affected," says Naeem Durrani, Merlin's malaria expert in Pakistan.
"By comparison, last year's estimated figures for all of Pakistan were around 1.5 million cases for the whole year."
Once scale up is complete, the Merlin-trained network of over 2,000 health workers in 16 districts will provide malaria control services through 155 health centres.
Durrani points out that malaria is widespread in all 62 districts that have been severely affected by the floods.
Furthermore, the prevailing and most dangerous strain — Plasmodium falciparum — causes cerebral malaria.
As people have been displaced by the flooding, the potential for disease transmission has significantly increased, exposing 20 million people to life-threatening malaria outbreaks.
"What you need to trigger an epidemic is a breakdown in health services, a lack of trained health workers, large population movements and favourable climactic conditions, such as a prolonged summer and excessive rains."
"Should the flood-affected areas experience an extended month of hot and wet weather, it could lead to a health disaster," he adds.
Noting Merlin's significant efforts in preparation for the peak of malaria season, Durrani says that this is a Herculean task, given the scope of the flood-affected areas.
"People are asking 'Are we ready?' and I tell them that no one can be truly ready," he says.
"But we are ahead of the curve with a programme designed to improve early diagnosis and in turn prompt treatment and efficient outbreak response. This is the key to saving lives."
As the floods continue to rage in Pakistan, our long term work to deliver health care in the country continues.
Merlin has worked in Pakistan since the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, which killed 73,000 people, left thousands homeless and destroyed much of the country's health infrastructure.
Since then, Merlin has responded to Cyclone Yemyin and the flooding in Balochistan in 2007, displacement caused by conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region in 2008 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in 2009, as well as to the flooding devastating the country at the moment.
The health outlook in Pakistan is one of the bleakest in the world, with around one in ten children dying before the age of five. The recent conflicts and disasters have only made things worse, further extending the population's need for health care.
Merlin's work in Pakistan is made possible through a network of over 600 health workers, working tirelessly to provide primary health care, reproductive health and emergency nutrition outreach services throughout the country. We also work to combat malaria in 19 districts in the FATA, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Additionally, in cooperation with Help Age International, Merlin provides services specifically to the elderly in the Swat and Buner districts. And in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area, we deliver health care to internally displaced people in both camps and host communities.
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
Tue Sep 28 07:37:36 +0000 2010 by LTel:added notes/corrected region
notes: FROM Relief Web:
As the floods continue to rage in Pakistan, our long term work to deliver health care in the country continues.
Source: Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)
Date: 13 Aug 2010
Merlin has worked in Pakistan since the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, which killed 73,000 people, left thousands homeless and destroyed much of the country's health infrastructure.
Since then, Merlin has responded to Cyclone Yemyin and the flooding in Balochistan in 2007, displacement caused by conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region in 2008 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in 2009, as well as to the flooding devastating the country at the moment.
The health outlook in Pakistan is one of the bleakest in the world, with around one in ten children dying before the age of five. The recent conflicts and disasters have only made things worse, further extending the population's need for health care.
What we do
Merlin's work in Pakistan is made possible through a network of over 600 health workers, working tirelessly to provide primary health care, reproductive health and emergency nutrition outreach services throughout the country. We also work to combat malaria in 19 districts in the FATA, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Additionally, in cooperation with Help Age International, Merlin provides services specifically to the elderly in the Swat and Buner districts. And in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area, we deliver health care to internally displaced people in both camps and host communities.
-------------------------------
From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
-> FROM THE SITE:
September 14 2010
Merlin is ramping up our work in Pakistan to respond to the approaching peak of malaria season.
"We must be prepared to respond to as many as two million cases of malaria over the next four months in all areas that are mildly or severely flood-affected," says Naeem Durrani, Merlin's malaria expert in Pakistan.
"By comparison, last year's estimated figures for all of Pakistan were around 1.5 million cases for the whole year."
Once scale up is complete, the Merlin-trained network of over 2,000 health workers in 16 districts will provide malaria control services through 155 health centres.
Durrani points out that malaria is widespread in all 62 districts that have been severely affected by the floods.
Furthermore, the prevailing and most dangerous strain — Plasmodium falciparum — causes cerebral malaria.
As people have been displaced by the flooding, the potential for disease transmission has significantly increased, exposing 20 million people to life-threatening malaria outbreaks.
"This is the key to saving lives"
Durrani explains why there is an expected surge of malaria outbreaks:
"What you need to trigger an epidemic is a breakdown in health services, a lack of trained health workers, large population movements and favourable climactic conditions, such as a prolonged summer and excessive rains."
"Should the flood-affected areas experience an extended month of hot and wet weather, it could lead to a health disaster," he adds.
Noting Merlin's significant efforts in preparation for the peak of malaria season, Durrani says that this is a Herculean task, given the scope of the flood-affected areas.
"People are asking 'Are we ready?' and I tell them that no one can be truly ready," he says.
"But we are ahead of the curve with a programme designed to improve early diagnosis and in turn prompt treatment and efficient outbreak response. This is the key to saving lives."
----------------------------------
FROM Relief Web:
As the floods continue to rage in Pakistan, our long term work to deliver health care in the country continues.
Source: Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)
Date: 13 Aug 2010
Merlin has worked in Pakistan since the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, which killed 73,000 people, left thousands homeless and destroyed much of the country's health infrastructure.
Since then, Merlin has responded to Cyclone Yemyin and the flooding in Balochistan in 2007, displacement caused by conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region in 2008 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in 2009, as well as to the flooding devastating the country at the moment.
The health outlook in Pakistan is one of the bleakest in the world, with around one in ten children dying before the age of five. The recent conflicts and disasters have only made things worse, further extending the population's need for health care.
What we do
Merlin's work in Pakistan is made possible through a network of over 600 health workers, working tirelessly to provide primary health care, reproductive health and emergency nutrition outreach services throughout the country. We also work to combat malaria in 19 districts in the FATA, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Additionally, in cooperation with Help Age International, Merlin provides services specifically to the elderly in the Swat and Buner districts. And in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area, we deliver health care to internally displaced people in both camps and host communities.
-------------------------------
From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
other_contacts changed.
region: Middle East -> South Asia
(show/hide changes)Wed Aug 25 00:40:29 +0000 2010 by LTel:added internal contact
other_contacts changed.
(show/hide changes)Tue Aug 17 09:18:45 +0000 2010 by LTel:name: MERLIN USA (Medical Emergency Relief International) - 2010 Pakistan Floods -> MERLIN USA (Medical Emergency Relief International) - 2010 Pakistan Floods / Armed Conflict
(show/hide changes)Tue Aug 17 09:12:34 +0000 2010 by LTel:added notes/avails
notes: From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
-> FROM Relief Web:
As the floods continue to rage in Pakistan, our long term work to deliver health care in the country continues.
Source: Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)
Date: 13 Aug 2010
Merlin has worked in Pakistan since the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, which killed 73,000 people, left thousands homeless and destroyed much of the country's health infrastructure.
Since then, Merlin has responded to Cyclone Yemyin and the flooding in Balochistan in 2007, displacement caused by conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region in 2008 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in 2009, as well as to the flooding devastating the country at the moment.
The health outlook in Pakistan is one of the bleakest in the world, with around one in ten children dying before the age of five. The recent conflicts and disasters have only made things worse, further extending the population's need for health care.
What we do
Merlin's work in Pakistan is made possible through a network of over 600 health workers, working tirelessly to provide primary health care, reproductive health and emergency nutrition outreach services throughout the country. We also work to combat malaria in 19 districts in the FATA, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Additionally, in cooperation with Help Age International, Merlin provides services specifically to the elderly in the Swat and Buner districts. And in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area, we deliver health care to internally displaced people in both camps and host communities.
-------------------------------
From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
(show/hide changes)Sat Aug 07 18:32:46 +0000 2010 by LTel:notes: From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhoea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
-> From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
(show/hide changes)Sat Aug 07 18:32:14 +0000 2010 by LTel:notes: From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone.Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhoea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
-> From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone. Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhoea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
mission:
Merlin specializes in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services.
How we work
Merlin works within existing health systems to realize everyone’s right to accessible, appropriate, affordable health care.
What we stand for
We are committed to helping build lasting health services which are used and championed by everyone.
We are specialists in rapid medical response and rebuilding health systems, effectively taking countries from emergency to recovery.
We are undaunted by the challenges of providing health care to vulnerable people living in the most difficult, forgotten and remote corners of the world.
We are determined to make health a global priority; giving people caught up in conflict, disaster and health system collapse the chance to lead healthy lives.
We care or people at risk, for the lives of the people we work to save, and for the safety of our staff. We are accountable to our patients, partners, supporters and donors. And we keep our promise: to stay on, beyond the crisis, for as long as we are needed. -> Merlin specializes in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services.
How we work
Merlin works within existing health systems to realize everyone’s right to accessible, appropriate, affordable health care.
What we stand for
We are committed to helping build lasting health services which are used and championed by everyone.
We are specialists in rapid medical response and rebuilding health systems, effectively taking countries from emergency to recovery.
We are undaunted by the challenges of providing health care to vulnerable people living in the most difficult, forgotten and remote corners of the world.
We are determined to make health a global priority; giving people caught up in conflict, disaster and health system collapse the chance to lead healthy lives.
We care or people at risk, for the lives of the people we work to save, and for the safety of our staff. We are accountable to our patients, partners, supporters and donors. And we keep our promise: to stay on, beyond the crisis, for as long as we are needed.
(show/hide changes)Sat Aug 07 18:30:17 +0000 2010 by LTel:notes: From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone.Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
-> From the InterAction Site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Response
Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) responded immediately to the floods in Pakistan and has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan where the worst flood in decades has caused widespread devastation. Merlin's team of 600, including 300 medical experts responded immediately.4 million people have been affected and 1,500 people have died. Merlin teams working in the worst affected areas have treated over 4,000 patients in the last two days alone.Merlin has set up 28 health clinics and deployed 18 mobile teams. Merlin medics are running 24-hour clinics in Jalozai camp, home to over 100,000 vulnerable people, in response to a significant spike in diarrhea and other waterborne disease.
----------------------------------------
From the site - 2010 Pakistan Flood Reponse:
August 4 2010
Merlin has scaled up existing operations in northern Pakistan, as fears rise that waterborne diseases could exacerbate the situation following last week's severe flooding.
Merlin has more than 300 medical experts responding to the emergency, which is Pakistan's worst flooding in decades. Our teams are on the ground now in some of the worst affected areas, including Swat Valley, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, and Nowshera district.
Marinella Bebos, Merlin's operations manager, said: "With water supplies contaminated and an estimated 2.5 million people affected, Merlin's main concern is to manage the spread of disease - diarrhoea and other infectious diseases will claim thousands of lives if we do not act fast."
Merlin’s 300 medical experts are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs of survivors caught up in the floods.
Critical situation for survivors
Dr Fayaz, Merlin's regional health co-ordinator in Pakistan, told us the seriousness of the situation for those affected: "The rains have wiped out whole villages, forcing people to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Roads and bridges have collapsed, making it difficult to get help through to survivors, who are congregating in makeshift shelters and camps. "Access to clean water or proper sanitation is nonexistent in places, making this a perfect breeding ground for deadly diseases."
With water sources contaminated by the monsoon rains and landslides, families who were already already vulnerable and homeless now faced the very real risk of disease outbreaks. Our teams have already seen a spike in diarrhoea cases, an infection that tends to plague and adversely affect young children. If patients do not take fluids rapidly, the infection can quickly lead to acute dehydration, which can in turn prove fatal.
Widespread devastation
Whole villages have been washed away by the monsoon floods, with hospitals and health centres destroyed and the infrastructure left on its knees. Tens of thousands of survivors still cannot be reached with land access impossible in some areas. Merlin is airlifting our medics into areas cut off by the floods, setting up health clinics and sending mobile teams out to treat survivors.
There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and food along with basic household items to replace those that were lost.
In Swat, one of the worst affected areas, we have already sent in three mobile teams by helicopter. Merlin has been working in the area for two years before the flooding, with 12 functioning health facilities in the region. We plan to keep all 12 health facilities operational and to run at least five mobile teams in the area.
Huge influx of people
We also have six clinics in the Jalozai camp for internally displaced people, in Nowshera. Jalozai is one of the biggest camps in Pakistan and home to more than 100,000 residents; it was cut off by flooding for three days. Our health teams expect an influx of people seeking support over the next few days as we plan to expand our work in the district.
Merlin is also active in Buner District and is monitoring the situation in Charssadda and Shangla, the other two worst affected districts. It is only the beginning of monsoon season and forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days.
This is the worst flooding in 80 years and will demand long-term funding to rebuild health services destroyed in the floods. Merlin was here before this disaster and we are committed to staying for along as it takes. We are appealing for £250,000 to support our emergency response.
mission:
Merlin specializes in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services.
How we work
Merlin works within existing health systems to realize everyone’s right to accessible, appropriate, affordable health care.
What we stand for
We are committed to helping build lasting health services which are used and championed by everyone.
We are specialists in rapid medical response and rebuilding health systems, effectively taking countries from emergency to recovery.
We are undaunted by the challenges of providing health care to vulnerable people living in the most difficult, forgotten and remote corners of the world.
We are determined to make health a global priority; giving people caught up in conflict, disaster and health system collapse the chance to lead healthy lives.
We care or people at risk, for the lives of the people we work to save, and for the safety of our staff. We are accountable to our patients, partners, supporters and donors. And we keep our promise: to stay on, beyond the crisis, for as long as we are needed. ->
Merlin specializes in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services.
How we work
Merlin works within existing health systems to realize everyone’s right to accessible, appropriate, affordable health care.
What we stand for
We are committed to helping build lasting health services which are used and championed by everyone.
We are specialists in rapid medical response and rebuilding health systems, effectively taking countries from emergency to recovery.
We are undaunted by the challenges of providing health care to vulnerable people living in the most difficult, forgotten and remote corners of the world.
We are determined to make health a global priority; giving people caught up in conflict, disaster and health system collapse the chance to lead healthy lives.
We care or people at risk, for the lives of the people we work to save, and for the safety of our staff. We are accountable to our patients, partners, supporters and donors. And we keep our promise: to stay on, beyond the crisis, for as long as we are needed.
(show/hide changes)Sat Aug 07 18:29:19 +0000 2010 by LTel:name: MERLIN USA (Medical Relief Lasting Health Care) - 2010 Pakistan Floods -> MERLIN USA (Medical Emergency Relief International) - 2010 Pakistan Floods
website: -> http://www.merlin-usa.org/
mission: ->
Merlin specializes in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services.
How we work
Merlin works within existing health systems to realize everyone’s right to accessible, appropriate, affordable health care.
What we stand for
We are committed to helping build lasting health services which are used and championed by everyone.
We are specialists in rapid medical response and rebuilding health systems, effectively taking countries from emergency to recovery.
We are undaunted by the challenges of providing health care to vulnerable people living in the most difficult, forgotten and remote corners of the world.
We are determined to make health a global priority; giving people caught up in conflict, disaster and health system collapse the chance to lead healthy lives.
We care or people at risk, for the lives of the people we work to save, and for the safety of our staff. We are accountable to our patients, partners, supporters and donors. And we keep our promise: to stay on, beyond the crisis, for as long as we are needed.
(show/hide changes)Sat Aug 07 18:25:34 +0000 2010 by LTel:InterAction/site
(show/hide changes)(hide history)