A Long-Term Need: Nepal Earthquake Relief

By Kipp Branch, Senior Medicines Officer, MAP International

Kipp Branch, Senior Medicines Officer, MAP International

Most of the world is aware that just a little over a week ago a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal, killing an estimated 7,000 people and potentially wounding tens of thousands more.

MAP International and many other NGO’s immediately responded to the critical need of the Nepalese people by providing medical aid, food, shelter and clean water.

Nine days out, the search-and-rescue efforts are near complete with a handful of very lucky people still being pulled from the rubble.  NDRF, India’s National Disaster Response Force, which had the largest presence on the ground, has now pulled out of Nepal.  Now we move into the recovery and rehabilitation phase.

Communities have to be rebuilt, health care infrastructure is pushed beyond capacity, food and water needs are ongoing.  The NGO community and world will be in Nepal to assist the Nepalese people for quite some time.  Nepal faces a tough long term recovery as the country continues to dig out in the wake of this natural disaster.  The UN estimates that roughly 8 million people were affected by this disaster.

Patients being treated in Nepal following the earthquake. Photograph: International Medical Corps

There’s a tendency to think that since the search-and-rescue efforts are coming to a close that relief efforts will slow, but the reality is that now the recovery begins.  Now we try and ensure that proper medicines and supplies are on the ground to help the medical teams dealing with the wounded and other medical issues that arise for natural disasters, prevention of cholera and other outbreaks are essential.

To meet the anticipated long-term need in Nepal, MAP is airlifting in 5 IEHK’s (Interagency Emergency Health Kits) that will treat 50,000 people for 90 days and is preparing 20ft shipping containers filled with essential medicines and supplies that will aid in long-term relief efforts.

The Facts:

• 7.8 magnitude earthquake
• Nearly 6,000 reported dead
• Over 11,000 reported wounded
• Airport has severe damage and logistics are difficult

MAP’s Response:

• 30 MAP Medical Mission Packs, worth $330,000 arrived in Nepal with ACTS World Relief on Wednesday.  They can treat 6,000+ people.
• An IEHK (Interagency Emergency Health Kit) is currently in route to Nepal for International Medical Corps.  It will land on Friday and will treat 10,000 people for 90 days.
• 3 additional IEHK’s are being prepared now and will head to Nepal in the coming days.
• 6 pallets of oral rehydration salts are being airlifted in to combat dehydration.
• Multiple container shipments are being prepared with antibiotics and other essential relief items for long term recovery.
• MAP’s current medicines on the ground are being used at Sheer Adventist Hospital and Mobile Medical Clinics near the epicenter.

MAP medicines arrived in Nepal with ACTS World Relief on Wednesday following the quake.

MAP International works through our valued partners on the ground, like International Medical Corps, ACTS World Relief, Convoy of Hope and many others to ensure that our medicines reach those in most need through trusted medical professionals.  In relief situations like this, working together is key in ensuring a rapid response.

We urge you to join with us in the recovery efforts in Nepal either by donating to MAP International or one of our trusted partners listed on CNN’s Giving List.