World Vision provides vital healthcare for flood victims
Source: World Vision - International
Andrea Russell, Regional Relief and Crisis Communications Manager
Website: http://www.wvasiapacific.org
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On February 10, World Vision Indonesia opened several health posts to help serve affected flood victims in East and North Jakarta.
While the immediate danger from flood waters has finally gone, authorities now fear water-borne diseases pose the biggest threat, especially for children.
Now as the waters in Jakarta's flood-ridden areas finally recede, communities and city officials work side by side to clear the debris and sludge from homes, roads and buildings.
"On Saturday, we started five health services at the flooded areas in East Jakarta and North Jakarta," Ronald Gunawan, World Vision's Health Program Coordinator, said. "These posts served approximately 350 people."
On February 11, WV teams added two more locations and treated around 500 people in these seven posts.
"As of Monday, we now have four posts in Cilincing in North Jakarta and four posts in East Jakarta: two in Cipinang Melayu, one in Kampung Tengah and one in Kebon Pala," Ronald explained.
Around 20 doctors and almost 20 nurses/paramedics joined the medical team, mainly volunteers, which also included a World Vision child sponsor.
"The most common illnesses remain acute respiratory infection, diarrhea and skin diseases," said Ronald. "We have also referred several patients to hospitals for more proper treatment, but none of them are in emergency condition."
The free service will operate until February 24. World Vision Indonesia also plans to continue distributions of vital items, including food and drinking water, flashlights and blankets, to the people of Jakarta who have been left homeless.
World Vision Indonesia has provided several Support Offices, Jakarta's ECHO office and USAID with funding proposals to support the relief programme in operation. ECHO, USAID, WV Singapore and WV US have committed to support this project.
WV Taiwan and WV Hong Kong have also shown interest to support this undertaking. WV Indonesia relief team is preparing further proposals requested by the potential donor agencies and offices.
For further information, pictures or interviews from Jakarta please contact WV Indonesia Communications Manager Hendro Suwito (Email: hendro_suwito@wvi.org) or Regional Crisis & Relief Communications Manager Andrea Russell (andrea_russell@wvi.org)
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