Doctors Without Borders

Published purpose

On 2 May 2008, the Category 3 Cyclone Nargis made landfall in southern Burma before moving northeast to hit Rangoon leaving widescale devastation in its wake. Humanitarian needs remain high following Cyclone Nargis. The number of people affected by the cyclone is estimated at approximately 2.4 million with close to 140,000 dead or missing. Critical needs of the affected population are shelter, water and sanitation, emergency health, and food. CIDA's support, totalling $700,000, helps Doctors without Borders provide 250,000 cyclone-affected individuals with increased access to safe water and basic sanitary facilities. Activities include the construction of latrines, distribution of soap and hygiene products, water treatment, and the physical protection of sources and wells. This project also improves living conditions and reduces exposure of 20,000-targeted families through the distribution of plastic sheeting and other essential non-food items. Emergency medical care is another critical need, thus the project establishes mobile and fixed clinics to address basic health needs.