 |
|
|
|
HEALTH CARE TO HONDURAN
VICTIMS OF HURRICANE MITCH
|
The presence
of hurricane/tropical storm Mitch in Honduras has caused
a disaster of unprecedented proportions. Current data
reports:
|
Damages to the economy and infrastructure are severe:
- 169 bridges destroyed
- Loss of crops nationwide has been estimated at 60%.
- 60 cities affected
- 15 Counties totally or partially destroyed
- Loss in banana fields, sugar industry, shrimp, agroindustry, cattle, factorys and tourism is estimated at US $2000
More detailed information can be found at Web site
The School of Medical Sciences, the National Autonomous University of Honduras, the Ministry of Health, and private institutions are collaborating to form a multidisiplinary network in an attempt to meet the needs of Honduran citizens affected by hurricane/tropical storm Mitch.
Initial actions include the organization of brigades to provide coverage to approximately 250,000 persons and health care to 427,138 persons in 160 refugee shelters.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIONS
- Multidisciplinary work groups
- Team work
- Primary health care
- Working under the guidance of Ministry of Public Health
- Unification of epidemiological surveillance system
OBJECTIVES
- Primary care sensitive to human needs
- Health promotion with emphasis in health education, environmental sanitation, hygenic food storage and preparation practices, and water / waste management.
- Vaccinations for polio, typhoid fever, tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis.
- Diagnosis and treatment for frequent morbilities: respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, trauma, and depression/anxiety. Control of persons with chronic conditions.
- Mental health care.
- Rehabilitation.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- Situational analysis of refugee shelters: population according to age, sex, and former place of residence.
- Involvement of organizations, leaders, and others.
- Strengthening of epidemiologic surveillance system.
- Education regarding: safe water, food, disposition of excrements, garbage and solid waste management, personal hygiene, methods of localization.
- Organization of safety, water storage, food supply, and clean-up commitees.
- Foodstuffs
- Equipment for rescue, evacuation, and clean-up
- Clothing
- Basic medicines and medical/surgical supplies
(see table)
1. FOODSTUFFS
- Food for babies and nursing bottles
- Milk
- Canned food
- Flour
- Crackers
- Grains
- Others
2. EVACUATION, RESCUE, AND CLEAN-UP
- Cots
- Tents
- Lamps
- Lanterns
- Clothes, boots, blankets, mattresses, cushions, sleeping bags.
- Rubber gloves
- Caps
- Protective helmets
- Backpacks
- Ropes
- Canteens
- Pocket knives
- Shovels
- Picks
- Insect repellent
3. CLOTHING
- For children and adults
- Covers
- Diapers
4. MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Quantyties presented were calculated according to expected morbidity in 700,000 affected persons who are or will be under the care of 200 volunteers distributed in 40 medical brigades throught the Country.(SEE TABLE)
Republic of Honduras Government
