International Medical Corps Secures Critical Medical Supplies For Casualties In Gaza

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 12 Jan 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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International Medical Corps (IMC) has activated its regional response team and has secured emergency health kits for the people of Gaza in response to the growing humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces.

International Medical Corps is working with long-time partners, Heart-to-Heart International, International Relief Teams, and The Bridge Foundation, among others, to secure and ship critical surgical and medical supplies, in coordination with local humanitarian partners in Gaza and the region. IMC is appealing for cash donations to its Gaza Emergency Fund, to assist in transporting desperately needed medical supplies and in delivering critical goods and services to the beleaguered civilian population.

The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that in Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli military operation on December 27, 2008, 784 people have died and approximately 3,200 have been injured. It is estimated that more than 13,000 people have been displaced and life-saving medical supplies cannot reach those in need. In addition, four Israelis have been killed and 46 injured by Hamas rocket attacks.

International Medical Corps has a response team in the region and an assessment team in Gaza. IMC's assessment in Gaza shows a need for medical and surgical equipment, as well as longer-term mental health and psychosocial support.

Gaza's already fragile public health infrastructure has been overburdened by the number of casualties, making humanitarian intervention all the more critical. IMC staff report impaired access to clean water, electricity, and sewage disposal combined with the overcrowding in areas of refuge, carry grave risks for the outbreak and spread of communicable illness. Hospitals are overwhelmed, many seriously wounded patients are in need of referral or medical evacuation, and health staff - many working 24 hour shifts -- are exhausted. According to the World Health Organization, the health services in Gaza are on the point of collapse if steps to support and protect them are not taken immediately.

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, non-political, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Source:
Stephanie Bowen
International Medical Corps
1919 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404