QUICK LINKS

In Tulsa, the media contact is:
Blair Kesler, In His Image International
Cell phone for media only: 918 289-6313
All other calls: 918-493-7816 x5 bkesler@inhisimage.org

The doctors are from In His Image Family Medicine Residency.

If you would like to make a contribution towards these efforts and other emergency relief trips please go to www.inhisimage.org and click on Giving. Be sure to note "Disaster Relief" in the comment section of the online form.

1. Cyclone Nargis hit the southern coast of Myanmar on May 3, 2008. Wind speeds were estimated to be over 12o mph and the storm surge reportedly over 12 feet high. Most of the Irrawaddy Delta region was devastated.

2. The initially reported death toll was less than 1,000 persons, but was rapidly raised first to 10,000, then to 50,000, and most recently to over 130,000. Some estimates are that over 200,000 have died and over 2.5 million were left homeless and in desperate need of food, clean water, housing and medical attention.

3. The military junta controlling the country has been very resistant to accepting international aid, including supplies and personnel. They have issued very few entry visas and have insisted on distributing vital supplies themselves. Only in the past 1-2 days have they indicated a willingness to receive assistance in helping the suffering victims of this disaster.

4. A 13-member medical team from Tulsa-based In His Image International, led by Mitch Duininck, MD, departed the US on May 16 after receiving special visa approval for entry into Myanmar, arriving in Yangon on May 18.

5. During their week-long stay, the team was able to work with several local organizations actively involved in disaster relief work. Clinics were set up in 7 different locations, including schools, orphanages and private homes, and over 1300 patients were seen during these clinics. As well, much needed purified water was provided to many families during these clinics.

6. Meetings were held with local physicians and nurses, helping to prepare them to travel to the most severely affected areas to provide medical care and relief. Also, trips were taken with local groups into the most severely affected areas to evaluate critical needs and deliver supplies including food, housing materials, clothing, medications and water purification units. Local individuals were instructed in the use and maintenance of the water purification units.

7. At the time of our departure from Myanmar the needs of many of the victims of the cyclone continue to be unmet, including housing, clean water and sanitation, medical care, food, and psychological and spiritual support. Many are gathering in tent camps near distribution centers, but the government continues to stonewall international aid and support in the most devastated areas, and the government is insisting that the refugees return to their devastated villages. The majority of aid and assistance to these areas is being provided by nationals, especially churches and Christian groups.

8. The effects of the devastation from this cyclone will be felt for many months and years. The need for community development and community health in this impoverished country which has one of the worst healthcare systems in the world are significant. Hopefully the government will relax control and allow international help to reach those in need.