A serious health emergency is developing in the western regions of Nepal following deadly floods late last month. In response, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is establishing two temporary health camps to assist some of the 180,000 people affected.
To date, flooding has killed 32 and left more than 30,000 families without food, clothing and shelter.
“Local authorities are reporting a rapid rise in potentially deadly illnesses including diarrhoea and malaria,” said Beryl Hartmann, Humanitarian Program Coordinator for ADRA Australia. “Contaminated water, animal carcases and the poor facilities available to those living in make-shift shelter places people at significant risk.”
ADRA’s work is focused on the districts of Bardiya and Banke – which have seen all four of their health facilities destroyed. The health teams, which include doctors, nurses, public health educators and other staff will provide immediate relief and treatment in the region – while also being able to refer more serious cases to hospitals.
“The team in Nepal is also working to provide basic equipment and medicines to the health facilities which have been damaged or destroyed by the floods,” said Ms Hartmann. “Street-drama, group discussions and demonstration lessons will also be used to promote preventative and positive health behaviours.”
More than 5,000 people will directly benefit from ADRA’s response.
Donations to ADRA Australia’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund will support this and other ongoing relief efforts.
ADRA responds to numerous disasters across around the world. Responses to the Syrian refugee crisis and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines continue. ADRA also holds official agreements to the NSW, ACT and WA governments to provide emergency accommodation during emergencies here in Australia.
For more information about these or any of ADRA’s work overseas or here in Australia visit www.adra.org.au or call 1800 242 372
ADRA Australia is a Christian aid and humanitarian agency that empowers communities and changes lives in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council for Social Services and a member of the Australian Council for International Development. ADRA Australia is part of the international ADRA network with has a presence in 126 countries. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.