I. Overview/Highlights
It seems many of the people in north Allai are not moving out of their areas. Many children are malnourished but indications are that this was true even before the earthquake struck. The number of tetanus cases is on the rise. As of October 23, there were 93 cases of tetanus admitted in the hospital of Islamabad/Rawalpindi. So far, 17 deaths due to tetanus have been reported at the hospitals in Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
ATG (tetanus vaccination) 7000 doses have arrived and about a similar number is expected within 48 hours through UNICEF. The requirement is for 100,000. However the current commitment is only 15,000 doses. There is a huge gap between supply and need.
There is a measles outbreak in Batagram. WHO/GoP official notification processes for measles cases need to be followed.
The GoP/Ministry of Education has agreed to increase GDP spending on education from 2 percent to 4 percent.
There is a pressing need for female doctors. There have been instances where in Balakot area female patients did not allow male doctors to even do a dressing.
Options are being identified to meet the tremendous and immediate need for shelter.
II. Response
On Sunday October 23, Save the Children distributed 100 tents and 100 family food packs and 500 blankets outside the Batagram city area. Rudy Von Bernuth was present.
Save the Children is establishing safe play areas for children in the Batagram area. Four safe play areas will be established in the location of yesterdays distribution. Ten play kits have been assembled and will be sent to Batagram tomorrow. Training for safe play facilitators is planned for Friday.
Distribution planning continues with the next expected distribution on Thursday in district Batagram (Tents/family food kits/blankets).
Save the Children has signed a WFP food distribution contract to reach 187,000 people with 6 months food supply.
III. Save the Children Alliance Update
Save the Children Alliance in Pakistan will do a weekly combined sitrep, which will go out on Tuesdays.
Contacts:
In Pakistan
Office number, 92-51-11107108, pkfo@savechildren.org_pk
General inquiries, Anita Cole 0300 9128993, acoleksavechildren.oW-pk
Emergency team leader, Rod Snider 0300 8522845, rsnider e,savechildren.org.pk
International media, Kate Conradt 00-1-202-2949700, kconradt@dc.savechildren.org
In USA
International media, Mike Kiernan 00-1-202-460-0614,
mkiernan@dc.savechildren.org
General inquiries, Tammie Willcuts 00-1-202-261-4676, Willcuts@dc.savechildren.org
General inquiries, Sonia Khush, skhush@dc.savechildren.org