Tzu Chi disaster relief and medical care in Mairana area in Bolivia

Under the impact of El Niño, Bolivia has experienced two months of continuous rainstorms and torrential rains since January this year, which triggered floods, destroyed roads and bridges and caused serious damage. On 28 February 2007 the Bolivian government announced that months of heavy rains were a severe disaster and declared a state of emergency. The Bolivian government issued a high alert for dengue in early February. The total affected disaster area includes eight out of Bolivia's nine provinces, with the affected population estimated at about 397,000 people.

In late May, Tzu Chi sent an initial team to the city of Tenita, one of the hardest hit by the floods, to distribute relief supplies. The site was selected because of the degree of damage and the access to transportation and roads for delivery of goods.

On 10-12 August, volunteers went for a three-day free clinic in a poor area called Mairana area. Free services were provided, including pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, Chinese medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

In addition, about 150 local volunteers supported the effort. Within three days, the clinic received nearly 2,400 patients. Some patients received immediate surgical care after diagnosis.

Meanwhile, Tzu Chi volunteers distributed relief supplies a second time, providing 2,600 sets of daily necessities to local victims. In November, Tzu Chi will return to Bolivia for another wave of relief.

Bolivia is the 62nd country to which Tzu Chi has provided aid. Physicians and nurses from the United States, Argentina, Paraguay, and Taiwan together manifest the spirit of "disaster occurs in one place, helping hands come from many places." Tzu Chi volunteers sow seeds of love on a battered earth, to inspire those who are suffering to also reach a bounteous life through great love.

For detailed information, please contact:

Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan Headquarters
Office of International Charity Affairs
Program Manager
Mr. Joe Wang
Office Tel: +886-3-8299779 ext 343
Email: joe@tzuchi.org.tw