Brunswick, GA, March 9 - The number
of confirmed dead has reached over 400 and is expected to rise into the
thousands as more bodies are discovered. Over 1 million people are
either homeless or in need of help. This overwhelming tragedy is compounded
by the expectation of 2 more inches of rainfall as tropical storm Gloria
makes its way across S. Mozambique, E. Zimbabwe & S. Africa.
Even without more rain, outbreaks of
disease such malaria and cholera threaten to take lives in numbers far
exceeding those who died in the flooding. According to the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the most frequently reported
diseases continue to be malaria, cholera, and skin and respiratory infections.
In just one region, the number of people suffering from malaria has risen
from 85 last week, to 340 today.
MAP International's relief director, John Garvin, will be in Mozambique coordinating with partner agencies Food for the Hungry and Air Serve to oversee the distribution of medicines and medical supplies, and assess the specific needs for ongoing medical shipments. The initial shipment will include antibiotics, antiparasitics; antimalarials, oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets and trauma supplies. "We are grateful to be working with Food for the Hungry," said Garvin. "Their Mozambique staff will ensure that MAP medicines reach the people who need them." Air Serve will also be invaluable by providing transportation during this logistically challenging relief effort. Thousands, desperate for medical care, will be treated.
MAP International is a non-profit, Christian global relief and development agency. For over 45 years, MAP has provided medicines; medical supplies and community based health-training programs for the poor in over 100 countries. MAP is supported by donations from individuals, foundations and churches. Forbes Magazine has named MAP one of the nation's 100 most prominent charities, with an efficiency rating of 99%. For every $1 donated, MAP provides $21 in donated medicines, medical supplies and programs. Less than 5% of all gifts are used for fundraising or administration.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to "Mozambique Relief" call 800-225-8550, or mail a check to MAP International, 2200 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.