Yangon/Cologne. Malteser International expands the relief measures for the survivors of the cyclone Nargis in the Irrawaddy Delta. The relief service now also ensures the health care and water supply for about 50,000 people on "Middle Island". Four medical teams with five doctors, seven nurses and a pharmacist are fighting especially against the outbreak of infectious diseases like dengue and malaria. "In cooperation with local health workers we distribute insecticides that do not affect the health of the people", Dr. Marie Theres Benner, Senior Health Coordinator of Malteser International reports from Yangon. "The insecticide will be put in all cisterns and water tanks because dengue and malaria are transmitted by mosquitoes breeding in the water." In the worst case the diseases lead to death if no medical support is given. The insecticide avoids the breeding of the mosquito larvae and minimizes the number of infections. "Before the start of the campaign, we have trained the health workers in the use and handling of the insecticides. Furthermore, we inform the people living here on Middle Island how they can protect themselves against infections and how they can identify them in an early stage", Dr. Benner explains. dling of the insecticides. Furthermore, we inform the people living here on Middle Island how they can protect themselves against infections and how they can identify them in an early stage", Dr. Benner explains. dling of the insecticides. Furthermore, we inform the people living here on Middle Island how they can protect themselves against infections and how they can identify them in an early stage", Dr. Benner explains. dling of the insecticides. Furthermore, we inform the people living here on Middle Island how they can protect themselves against infections and how they can identify them in an early stage", Dr. Benner explains.

With financial support of the international Caritas network, Malteser International is rehabilitating a hospital and four health centres on Middle Island. In addition, Malteser International will build 75 rain water harvesting tanks as well as 2.000 mosquito proof latrines and repair 100 sources on the island that have been destroyed during the disaster. Families on Middle Island who have lost all their belongings during the cyclone receive cookware, soap, plastic sheets, rain coats and other urgently needed relief items. Furthermore, Malteser International trains community health workers in order to enable them to inform their communities about infectious diseases and how to avoid them.

Also in Labutta, a heavily destroyed coastal town in the Irrawaddy Delta, the aid measures of Malteser International still go on. Staff members provide medical care for 16,000 internally displaced persons and 24,000 inhabitants. Moreover, Malteser International is supplying about 100,000 people in Labutta and its outskirts with safe drinking water. More than 15,000 mosquito nets help families in Labutta to protect themselves against mosquitoes. 2,700 "family kits" with cookware, hygiene articles and water cans have been distributed to the neediest families.

In Yangon, most of the disaster relief measures have been concluded by now. In the first weeks after the cyclone, Malteser International has provided safe drinking water and medical care for about 60,000 people.

For the continuation and the extension of its work, the organisation is in urgent need of donations! To support the work of Malteser International in Myanmar, please transfer your donations to: Donation Account 120 120 120 Bank für Sozialwirtschaft, Wörthstr. 15-17, D-50668 Köln Sort Code : 370 205 00 IBAN : DE49 3702 0500 0001 0258 01 BIC: BFSWDE33XXX Reference : "Myanmar"

Recent photos of the relief activities in Myanmar can be downloaded under: http://php.malteser.de/cpg133/thumbnails.php?album=198&page=1

Recent videos from Labutta can be downloaded under: http://www.malteser.de/61.Malteser_International/61.16.Downloads/61.16.04.Videos/Videos.htm

Malteser International is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid. The organisation provides aid in about 200 projects in more than 20 countries without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence are the foundation of its work. For further information: www.malteser-international.org and www.orderofmalta.org