- The Situation in the Field
* As everyone knows, the safety is not established in Baghdad. Almost everyone is armed.
* The inspection by the coalition across the border has been tightened. It takes 2-5 hours to cross the border.
* The temperature has risen to its peak, and supply of potable water is not stabilized.
2. Our Activity so far
A. Settled a Health Center in Al Mashtel Area
* Since May 12th, two medical doctors, two oriental doctors, one dentist, one pharmacist, and several assistants are working in a newly settled health center in Al Mashtel area.
* The health center is open from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., and from 4P.M. to 8 P.M. There are more than 500 patients everyday. Two medical doctors from S. Korea and three Iraqi doctors working part time are providing care for these patients.
* Oriental doctors are caring another 200 patients every day. Most patients are complaining of multiple pain and they are given PT and acupuncture. This unfamiliar practice gained great popularity in this area.
* Dental care is provided, but due to the instability of electric supply, the treatment is interrupted from time to time. The dental hygiene is also poor.
B. Spectrum of Diseases
* There are less acutely wounded patients.
* Chronic diseases and infectious diseases are predominant.
(diabetes mellitus, hypertension, common cold, diarrhea originating from various pathogens like virus, bacteria, and amoeba, arthritis, and generalized ache)
* Malnutrition is predominant among children.
In addition to growth retardation and low weight, some children showed symptoms and signs of Vitamine A and D deficiency.
* There are several patients diagnosed or suspicious of tuberculosis.
But in Iraq and Jordan, anti-tuberculosis medicines are not supplied by usual pharmacy. Therefore tuberculosis patients cannot take medication properly.
Considering the fact that treatment of tuberculosis needs close follow up and accurate treatment, providing medicine together with proper follow up and education is essential.
* There are high incidents of urinary tract stone patients with secondary infection. Iraqi doctors say that it is because of higher mineral content in water in this area.
* Skin diseases: Scabies, fungal infection, contact dermatitis are common.
* There are lots of patients with psychologic problems.
* Helminth : Pinworm infection is endemic.
C. Medical Practice
* We are trying to write formal clinical chart for further treatment after our mission is ended. But due to many reasons ? short of paper, short of time ? keeping medical records on formal chart sheet is quite difficult in health centers.
* Patients prefer injections, and they inject by themselves at home.
D. Other Activities
* We planned to evaluate the impact of war on Iraqi children. It includes measuring the physical status, draw-a-picture test, questionnaire to evaluate PTSD, and dental evaluation.
E. Activity of Korea Peace team
* The Korea Peace Team is cleaning up roads and sewage with cooperation of residents in this town.
* They are also educating people about facts regarding public health, and are distributing water disinfectant.
* An activist names Yoo Eun Ha is taking care of handicapped children in shelters at Al Hanan and Al Nur.
3. Public Health Need in New Bagdad
* Establishing primary care health center and refer system is needed.
* Stable supply of medicine, especially anti-tuberculosis medicine is needed.
* Establishing environmental hygiene, especially stable supply of potable water is essential.
4. Needs in Schools
* Basic school supplies such as paper, notebook, pencil, and ballpoint pen are lacking.
Teachers say that they cannot give an examination because of lack of paper.
* The teachers are paid 2.5 dollars a month now. Before the war, they are paid 16 dollars a month.
* Care for psychological trauma should be provided at school base.
5. Plan of Activity from Now On
A. Health Center
* Our activity of KFHR/APH in Iraq will end on May 28. But even after we return, the health center in Al Mashtel will continue to be operated by Iraqi doctors and local leaders.
* We purchased anti-tuberculosis medicines. The amount is isoniazide 100mg 24,000 tablets, rifampicin 150mg 24,000 tablets, and ethambutol 400mg 18,000 tablets. These are sufficient amount for 100 tuberculosis patients treatment for two months.
* We are trying to arrange continuous supply of medicine to run Al Mashtel health center for at least six months.
* The medical supply in Baghdad is stabilized during last several days and we are now planning to buy medicine in Baghdad instead of buying it from other countries.
* We are planning to spend our remaining fund to support Al Mashtel health center, Al Camira health center, and health center at Al Badia School. It will be used to buy medicines and some essential medical equipment.
B. Other Activities
* We will continue to gather information about PTSD on children.
* We will visit the shelter for handicapped children in Al Hanan and make medical record and provide care for 97 children who are living there.
* We will supply some essential school materials such as ballpoint pen and notebooks which worth about 16 thousand dollars, to four elementary schools in this area.
* The activity of the Korea Peace Team will continue in New Baghdad.