Sri Lanka
MCAI worked with Health Care Professionals to improve facilities for children and their mothers in Sri Lanka
In response to the Tsunami, MCAI sent emergency drugs, supplies and vital medical equipment to the North and East of Sri Lanka. This area, known as the Vanni, was already impoverished and disadvantaged by years of civil conflict but was then badly hit by the wave, making matters infinitely worse. MCAI sent staff to the hard hit areas to allocate supplies and to up-date assessments of need that had been completed at the request of the UK Medical Institute of Tamil Doctors some 15 months prior to the Tsunami. MCAI identified major needs for equipment and refurbishment of hospitals in Batticaloa, Killinochchi and Mullaitivu. But equipment alone was not the answer; there is a need for training for health professionals.
Meggie Szczesny, MCAI’s Programme Director, witnessed the devastation of the tsunami first-hand whilst delivering supplies to affected areas in Sri Lanka. Meggie was accompanied by Dr Susan Mann, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, who delivered training to local healthcare staff.
Medical aid workers and training local health workers
MCAI also identified the urgent need for postgraduate Paediatric nurse training, in partnership with local medical and nursing staff. Dr S Ganesan an experienced Consultant Paediatrician who has chosen to work for some years in the difficult but very needy environment of Batticaloa General Hospital said “What we need is some training for nurse...I feel that improving the knowledge and skills of staff will help to improve the outcome.”
MCAI sent Children’s Nurse Paula Blurton to Batticaloa Hospital for two months in April 2005 to provide further training to the nursing staff. We also sent a Paediatric doctor in June 2005 for 3 months to do clinical work and deliver further training. In October 2005, MCAI sent a consultant paediatrician to Killinochchi for 3 months.
Tsunami orphans project
This project supported children orphaned by the tsunami. Orphans were placed with a carer within their own community. We asked for supporters to pledge £16 per month, until the child reaches 18 years, to help with their upbringing.
Drop In Centres
This project established ‘Drop In Centres’ for children in the tsunami-affected regions. These centres delivered a service in preventative, curative and promotive aspects of health, and offered assistance, counselling and social support.