Myanmar Cyclone Nargis Yangon Hub Update No. 6

OVERVIEW AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS

- On January 20, 2009, a delegation from two Nordic countries, led by His Excellency Mr. Erik Gudbrand Solheim, Norwegian Minister on Environment and International Development and Her Excellency Ms. Ulla Pedersen Tornaes, Denmark's Minister of International Development, together with Tripartite Core Group (TCG) representatives visited Seik Gyi Village in Kungyangon Township, Yangon Division, as well as 3 other Nargis-affected areas. They had an opportunity to observe progress made to address needs of the cyclone Nargis affected population as well as meeting organisations involved in the response.
- On 25 January 2009, the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) officially handed over some Pre-Fabricated Medical Centres to the Ministry of Health in Kyon Dar Village, Dedaye. The Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Kyaw Myint, Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of Thailand and Singapore, representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), United Nations (UNOCHA), IOM, ASEAN and INGOs participated in these handing over ceremonies.

- The National Immunization Day (NID) was held on January 10, 2009 throughout the country, including the Nargis impacted areas, through collaboration between the Department of Health (DOH) and United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The campaign was held between January 10 and 12, 2009. Oral Polio vaccine was administered to all children under the age of 5 years. In Kawhmu Township, the achievement was 100% and 97% in Dedaye Township.

- The Government established mobile rural development teams to provide knowledge and technical support in Nargis-affected areas on January 12 and 13, 2009. These teams consist of experts from the Department of Health, Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary, Agricultural Department, Border Area and Rural Development Department, as well as from INGOs. These teams provide technical assistance needed to enhance early recovery activities based on the guidance and instruction from the Head of State.

- The first combined meeting of the Health, WASH and Nutrition clusters was held in Dedaye on January 26, 2009, and was chaired by the Township Medical Officer (TMO). Partners discussed the preparation for the second National Immunization Day (NID). There will also be a presentation of the Health and WASH Cluster activities at the 4th Divisional Cluster meeting to be held on 2 February, 2009, as well as plans for safe water supply in the coming dry season.

- During this season, water borne diseases are common in Yangon Hub area. For example, some cases of diarrhoea have been reported in Kawhmu, War Thin Kha in Alel Ywa Village Tract and in Wah Ka Mel Village in Dedaye Township in January. Township medical teams visited the area as it was an important public health issue. All affected persons have since recovered.

- The Dedaye Area Commander held a meeting with INGOs/NGOs on January 14, 2009 where he advised that for security reasons, all foreigners coming to Dedaye are requested to inform the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC), Dedaye Area Commander, Immigration, Police Special Branch and Military Security Affairs. They have to fill in an official registration form within an hour of arrival and departure. The Area Commander's telephone number is 098600923.