3. Disaster Response

In 2006, Latin Americ and the Caribbean were spared major disasters of the magnitude of Tropical Storm Stan (2005) or Hurricane Ivan (2004). However, many other emergency situations posed serious concerns and required substantial technical support from PAHO/WHO. A review of these situations in which PAHO worked with member states to respond to pressing health issues is provided below.

Unusually high seasonal rainfall at the end of 2005 caused widespread flooding in several Regions of Guyana in

In Brief

Appeal No. MAA49001; Programme Update no. 2, Period covered: 1 April to 31 July 2006; 2006 Appeal Coverage: 66.4%; Outstanding needs for 2006: CHF 1,184,070 (USD 985,921 or EUR 745,436).

2006 and 2007 Appeal target: CHF

Period covered: 1 January to 31 March 2006

Appeal coverage in relation to 2006 target: 58.6%

Outstanding needs: CHF 1,409,856 (USD 1,135,217 or EUR 891,614).

Revised Appeal target for 2006 and 2007: CHF 5,269,273 (USD 4,244,410 or EUR 3,333,155)

Appeal target for 2006: CHF 3,410,594

Appeal target: CHF 2,439,411 (USD 1,923,019 or EUR 1,581,564);

Appeal coverage: 74.4%.

This Annual Report reflects activities implemented over a one-year period; they form part of, and are based on, longer-term, multi-year planning (refer below to access the detailed logframe documents). All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes

The relief efforts have been relatively successful. A second wave of deaths was avoided. No massive population movements took place. No epidemics broke out. More than 500,000 tents were delivered; some 5 million-iron sheets were distributed; over 6 million blankets/quilts were provided. A nutrition survey

Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bosnia, Rwanda - all too often, the world's killing fields are recognised only belatedly, once death, disease and despair have taken their horrific toll. This week I had hoped to travel to Darfur to see for myself the realities on the ground. Unfortunately, the Sudanese government did not want me to visit. Of course what is most important is not my visit, but the continued suffering of the civilian population.

While Darfur is now headline news, aid

This assistance is intended for the hardest-hit areas countrywide including Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary creeks, Pomeroon River and Black Bush Polder, which suffered severely in the flooding earlier this year. It is estimated to cost approximately $8M.

The distribution which began in the Mahaica

Minister Rodrigues was accompanied by staff of the Ministry who assisted in delivering the financial packages to several residents. At Kwebanna, approximately 107 persons received the package.

The Minister explained that the financial