October 1, 2007, Los Angeles, CA/Washington, DC - International Medical Corps (IMC) is closely watching the humanitarian situation in Myanmar and is planning to respond to the needs of thousands affected by persistent poverty, recent floods, displacement, and civil unrest.

People in Myanmar are suffering from a wide range of factors that deprive millions of services like basic health care, clean water, sufficient food, and a life-sustaining income. According to the Human Development Index, 21 percent of the population will not survive past age 40. Children are particularly affected by chronic malnourishment as a result of decades of economic mismanagement and isolation. Thirty two percent of all infants under five are underweight. In the east part of the country, where the government is fighting an insurgency, more than 500,000 people have been internally displaced with limited access to food and clean water.

International Medical Corps and other international organizations are appealing to donors to increase funding for the people of Myanmar. The World Food Program says in news reports it can currently only reach 200,000 out of 500,000 that have been identified to receive assistance due to a shortfall in donations.

After days of violent clashes that left many dead and injured - there are no accurate figures available - the capital Yangon seems quiet. But the standoff between the military leadership and pro-democracy demonstrators could resume anytime. International Medical Corps supports the diplomatic efforts by the United Nations to negotiate a peaceful solution in the conflict.

Myanmar has been hit by unusually heavy monsoon rains. More than half a million people are affected by floods that have destroyed over 10,000 houses and destroyed an estimated 40,000 acres of rice paddies. The floods lasted for 42 days and caused significant damage to an area the size of Michigan (99,500 square miles or 257,800 square kilometers).

In cooperation with other international and local organizations International Medical Corps is planning to support the population with medical and other assistance. If the situation deteriorates IMC will be able to extend humanitarian aid to other parts of the country.

Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance.