KUALA LUMPUR, 9 OCTOBER 2012 – MERCY
Malaysia will be providing humanitarian aid in both Rakhine, Myanmar and at the
Syrian refugee camps in Jordan. The decision was made based on the information
gathered by MERCY Malaysia’s assessment teams that were sent to both locations within
the past two weeks.
The Myanmar assessment team led
by MERCY Malaysia’s Vice President II, Norazam Ab Samah comprised of MERCY
Malaysia’s Executive Council Member, Dr. Heng Aik Cheng; MERCY Malaysia’s Head
of Relief Operations, Hew Cheong Yew and a core volunteer, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal
bin Omar. All four have had previous experience working in Myanmar and are
familiar with the local customs and government agencies.
Backed by the support of the Myanmar’s
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief & Resettlement and
the Chief Minister of Rakhine state, MERCY Malaysia’s assessment team was
granted access into Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps for various
communities. Based on the team’s report, the current situation remains calm in
the town area. However, debris from hundreds of homes that have been destroyed
reminds passers-by of the conflict and underlying tension in the area. As a
result, most of the IDPs are still living in temporary shelters made of canvas,
without proper drainage systems. Combined with the heavy monsoon rain, crowded
living conditions and poor sanitation, diseases such as respiratory infections,
skin diseases, diarrhoea and even malaria have spread amongst the IDPs. As of 1
October 2012, the team has distributed over 3000 hygiene kits, including 2500
drug impregnated mosquito nets and USD 20,000 worth of medical supplies (basic
medicines for primary health care – flu, fever, cough and malaria) in Sittwe,
which is the capital of Rakhine. Based on the team’s assessment, RM3.5 million
is needed in order to carry out basic medical services and reconstruction
projects for the period of one year.
MERCY Malaysia had also sent an
assessment team to Jordan led by Executive Council Member, Dr. Jitendra Kumar
and Relief Programme Officer, Saw Yu Shen. The team held a series of meetings
with various bodies/agencies such as United Nations agencies, NGOs and
government agencies in order to better understand the current situation and to
identify the needs, potential areas of assistance and local partners.
Based on initial assessments, the
Jordanian healthcare system has sufficient medical personnel to cope with the
influx of refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. However, they are in need of medical supplies
and equipment such as common medication, vaccines,
contraceptives and medical equipment.
There is a major need for the winterization
tents inside the camp and provision of the necessary items to refugees in and
outside the camp. The Syrian population, estimated at 175,000, living with host
families will also require winterization kits (high thermal blankets, heaters,
fleece jackets, socks, warm clothes, heating material, fuel etc.). According to
the UNHCR, the number of refugees in Jordan is expected to increase to 250,000
by December. MERCY Malaysia also plans to assist with the winter preparations
by providing much needed basic medical supplies, vaccines and to provide
psychosocial support for the refugees within the host communities. The cost of
this project for the period of one year is estimated at RM2 million. A second
team will be mobilised based on the needs assessment findings of the team
currently in Jordan.
In support of these two causes, MERCY
Malaysia will be launching two separate Relief Funds. The funds needed for
Rakhine amounts to RM3.5 million for a year, while the amount needed to aid the
Syrian refugees amount to RM2 million. As such, Malaysians are encouraged to
contribute towards both funds. Every donation, big or small has the potential
of saving lives.
Concerned individuals and organisations can donate to the MERCY Malaysia
fund through the following bank accounts:
MAYBANK (account name: MERCY HUMANITARIAN FUND, account number:
5621-7950-4126, ABA Swift Code: MBBEMYKLA), or
CIMB Bank (account name: MERCY Malaysia, account number:
1424-000-6561053, ABA Swift Code: CIBBMYKL).
Donations via cheque are payable to MERCY MALAYSIA
To donate online, please visit www.mercy.org.my
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