Hygiene kits for Storm Washi families, Philippines

Thank you for supporting Merlin's emergency response after Storm Washi hit Mindanao, Philippines in December 2011.  Here is an update on how your donation has made a real difference.

Merlin has been working with a local NGO (non-governmental organisation) to distribute hygiene kits to families in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, the two cities worst hit by Storm Washi.  

Merlin has supported CSFI (Community and Family Services International) to purchase items locally for the kits, which staff have then assembled, transported and distributed the kits to around 2, 000 families (approximately 10,000 people).

An example of contents of a Kit:

2 adult toothbrushes                     2 packs of sanitary napkins                           3 bars of soap

2 child toothbrushes                     1 pack of condoms                                        1 bottle of shampoo

3 tubes of toothpaste                    2 bottles antiseptic                                        3 bars of laundry soap

1 pair of adult slippers                   1 pair of child’s slippers                                 1 comb

2 bath towels                                Underwear for family of 4

All contents are placed within a sealed plastic bucket.                                    

Update on health situation in general

• 17 health facilities were affected by Storm, including 3 hospitals (all hospitals are now fully functional). WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF and UNFPA (UN Population Fund) have committed to fund all rehabilitation and medical equipment replacement.

• The most frequently reported health concerns since the Storm have been respiratory infections, fevers, open wounds, acute watery diarrhea and skin diseases.

• Local NGOs and faith based groups set up medical camps after the Storm, although there was a need for more coordination between the groups.

• The Dept. of Health (DoH) has confirmed that there has been a regular supply of medicines and no shortage has been reported so far.

• Medical posts have been set up by DOH, with some operating on a 24/7 basis.  UNFPA have co-ordination emergency reproductive health programs.

• There are regular coordination meetings between NGOs, and international organisations offering health, nutrition and water and sanitation services.

• Psychosocial support services are also being provided.  However, an increase in the number of people needing mental health and higher forms of psychosocial support are expected as the emergency situation continues.

• The immediate needs are still food, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, non-food items and shelter.

• The DoH is providing Vitamin A supplements, supplementary feeding to infants aged 6-59 months old, and are also offering supplementary measles vaccination and tetanus. 

Links:

• From our website
• Read more about our other work in Philippines

• Destruction after the Storm (DOCX)
• Mud and debris left after the Storm (DOCX)