This is based on the feed backs from the field teams carrying out the relief missions that are supported by the Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine Association (AMIMA) and from the reliable unbiased sources such as the UN Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) that releases interval updates.

Almost three weeks into the onset of the disastrous storm, insufficient access and inadequate assessments have continued to hinder relief efforts for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. It is estimated that 2.4 million people are affected, with 1.4 million in the most severely affected areas of the Irrwaddy delta region. The official death toll from Myanmar government stands at 77,738 dead, with 55,917 missing.

Some assistance is reaching affected areas, but it is too little and too infrequent. The government is still dragging their feet in allowing experienced and well trained western disaster relief teams to enter the country though it has accepted some teams from the neighboring Asian countries. Many dignitaries and leaders had visited the country in the last ten days trying to be the mediators between the aid agencies and the Myanmar government in reaching an agreement but with minimal success. Those included Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes who remained stationed in Myanmar presently. Lastly UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moom himself is paying a visit to Myanmar on 22 May 20008 with a hope to convince the reclusive Myanmar military government in cooperating more.

All of those had led to still reliance of local relief teams made up of Myanmar citizen volunteers carrying out the relief missions with little central planning. But this is so far how we have to deal with and hopefully situation may improve following UN secretary general’s visit allowing large scale coordinated relief efforts.

FUND RAISING:

Fund raising efforts continued in all countries initiated by AMIMA members and chapters. In the USA, President Dr Jennifer Chu had been interviewed by the local radio stations on the activities of AMIMA and situation in Burma. On 16 May 2008, through the PRNNewswire, she had released a news piece “AMIMA races time to help cyclone victims” in many foreign language newswires including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. She had met with the local philanthropists in Philadelphia soliciting funds. www.amima.net site continue to receive donations through Paypal and the mail in checks. All told USA had raised about $40,000 so far.

FIELD ACTIVITIES:

Myanmar Medical Association:

A “Health Care Volunteer Group” was officially set up with Prof U Hla Myint being the president and Prof: U Aung Khin being the general secretary. AMIMA had provided 15 million kyats to this group. On 16 May, this group went out for a scouting trip to Kaut Mu, Kun Chan Kone and Daydayae areas. On May 17 they went out to Kyaut Tan area. Each trip included visits to the storm damaged local hospitals and health centers with noodle packages and medicine being donated. Each scouting parties consisted ten doctors of varying specialty background. Resources are to be allocated based on the needs of the scouting reports and it was planned to revisit those areas within next 2-3 days. A support mission is planned for Bogalay and Laputta townships on 27 May 2008.

Myanmar/Burma Emergency Aid Network ( MBEAN)

They had been on the grounds since 9 May 2008. This group received an aid of 10 million Kyats from BMAA and AMIMA. It comprises of three field teams and a central team. Their work is concentrated around four townships and nearby villages in the Yangon division, namely Daydaye, Dagon Myo Thit, Kunhyangon and Kawhmu townships. They purchase supplies locally and had distributed food (rice, cooking oil, tuna cans). Clean drinking water is distributed through the use of locally produced disinfecting solution WaterGuard®. Tarpaulin sheets were distributed to be used as shelters. Oral rehydration Salt and antibiotic creams were provided. Pictures of its activities and the detail field activities can be viewed at www.BurmaRelief.org.

Better Burmese Health Care

Dr Jalin arrived at Myanmar on 17 May and now leading her already established clinic staff in South Dagon and North Dagon townships providing free medical care. She felt that aid delivery by uncoordinated volunteer civilian groups has its own disadvantages. Some villages receive aid more than the others and looting by disgruntled villagers and dependency mentality had already been witnessed. She is exploring into the possibility of developing a model village by micro financing, paying the villagers and paying them well in rebuilding their villages. She also reported that Tarpaulin sheets are in great need and of use. This group had received an aid of 5 million kyats from the BMAA. Again interval updates can be found at www.betterburmesehealthcare.com.

Myanmar Dental Association:

Myanmar Dental Association had been providing free dental health care and volunteer distribution of food and relief materials in the Irrawaddy Division. A 3 million Kyats was provided in support of their activities.

FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND PLANS:

Donor and volunteer burn out is going to be a common problem soon. The infectious disease outbreaks are looming. After the initial immediate relief, the rebuild is going to be even more daunting and prolonged. In addition to full-scale relief, there is urgent need for early recovery efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. Timely assistance now will help feed the population in coming months and greatly reduce future costs. Hopefully government of Myanmar will be more willing to seek advice and support from larger and well tested organizations like UN or the Red Cross or big NGOs such as Doctors without Frontiers or Save the Children. Meanwhile AMIMA will have to continue with relief activities within our funds and the capacity as set out before and described in our first press release and operations update. Again thank you for your support and visit http://www.amima.net/projects4 for updated cyclone relief efforts.

Sincerely,

AMIMA Team