2008 year Press Release
Ecuador was hit by severe flooding due to heavy rains over the past few months, with coastal areas taking the brunt of the damage. A total of 13 provinces were affected, with the flooding causing 23 deaths and 3.5 million refugees. It has been estimated that at least 300,000 families were forced to relocate and over US$1 billion of losses were amassed. This has been Ecuador's most severe flood in the last ten years.TaiwanIHA Provides Assistance in Ecuador
To make matters worse, the hospitals of many villages and townships were destroyed by flooding. Water facilities and power plants were also seriously damaged, which hampered and even stopped the operations of many remaining medical care institutions. After receiving a cable from our representative office in Ecuador, Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health and Welfare immediately urged TaiwanIHA to take action. As a result, a five-member medical team comprised of staff from Taipei Hospital, Tsaotun Psychiatric Center and Center for Disease Control was sent to Ecuador at midnight on March 8, 2008. The team included an expert on infectious diseases, a psychiatrist and an expert on disease prevention. A nurse and a person in charge of international coordination were also asked to join the team. Antibiotics and other types of medication were sent with them as well.
According to Ecuadors weather bureau, the flooding continued through April. During this time, much key infrastructure was destroyed, resulting in great risks to public health and the environment. In addition, refugees were displaced and left homeless. Due to the sudden changes, they were in shock and greatly needed counseling to feel more assured and rebuild their homes. In consideration of this, TaiwanIHA sent a psychiatrist in addition to the experts in infectious diseases and disease prevention. The team members also worked with other international organizations and health agencies that provide humanitarian assistance so as to help in the prevention and spread of communicable diseases, such as dengue fever and dysentery.
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