The Southeast Asian country, Philippines was struck by the typhoon Ketsana, causing 280 deaths or missing. The devastated victims amount to over 2 million people and 380 000 disaster victims were moved into temporary shelters. Moreover, the effect on economy is estimated at around $1 billion in crop losses and damages. It is the most severe flood in the past forty years in Philippines.

The heavy rainfall brought by the typhoon caused mudslides in many areas, resulting in power and water shortages and destroyed village hospitals, increasing the burden on healthcare institutions. TaiwanIHA, jointly formed by the Department of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the request for assistance by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines. Immediately, on October 6th, TaiwanIHA dispatched a six-person medical team that consisted of 3 doctors and 3 nurses from Bali Psychiatric Center, Chutung hospital, and Lo-Seng Sanatorium Hospital. The team was equipped with a full set of standardized disaster relief medical kit (11 boxes of medical supplies at 210 kilograms valued at NTD500,000). The medical team is expected to return to Taiwan on October 15th, to report and evaluate the possibilities of a second expedition.

According to the reports of the weather bureau, another typhoon (Parma) is lingering in the Bashi Channel and continues the torrential rainfall in Philippines. Immediately after receiving notice, with an emphatic spirit, TaiwanIHA organized and dispatched personnel and medical resources to Philippines.

Since its inception three years ago, TaiwanIHA has organized more than ten humanitarian relief missions, including Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Peru, Ecuador and Myanmar. Furthermore, in combined efforts with domestic NGOs, TaiwanIHA seeks to extend its reach to cooperation with international partners and contribute to international health.