2009 found more than 300,000 Sri Lankans displaced from their homes. The civil war that has plagued their country for over two decades brought about the last surge of infighting that sent people in droves to camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In order to help camp residents fully recover, access to food, shelter, health care, water and sanitation was and is a crucial need. With this call for help in Sri Lanka, our staff, volunteers and donors stepped up to the plate in a very sacrificial way. In partnership with USAID, the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the World Health Organization, Medical Teams has been able to provide:
- Three emergency field hospitals staffed by Ministry of Health doctors and nurses that received over 250,000 patient care visits, including a massive 100 bed-12,000 sq. ft. hospital.
- Emergency Health Kits and supplies for 80,000 people.
- A health education and health promotion staff of over 400 working 24 hours/day in the IDP camps.
- Two water filtration plants that provide the local hospitals 4,000+ liters of purified water daily.
- A "Tuk-tuk" ambulance program that provides emergency aid and non-emergency transfer services around the clock. The medical transport teams respond to at least 2,000 cases per month.
- A health communications system that connects all hospitals, clinics, ambulances and the police to ensure fast and efficient delivery of crucial information. This also helps ensure that patients who need immediate medical attention are transported immediately.
- Five upgraded trauma centers and five new dental clinics in the Jaffna District.
- A custom built emergency ambulance boat serving the islands off the northern coast of Sri Lanka
In the coming year, we will still be working hard to help families recover. It takes a lot of work, helping hands and prayers for families to rebuild their lives. If you would like to make a contribution, please click on the button below:
You can also make your secure contributions by:
Calling (800) 959-HEAL (4325).
Sending your contribution to P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.