Typhoon Haiyan was more destructive than most people thought possible. The financial and tactical support of the UK, USA and other countries has been amazing, and obviously appreciated by Filipinos . But already the UN initial appeal for $300m in emergency aid has been declared inadequate.


Like other natural disasters, there has been shocking damage and loss of life, fear and chaos, lack of food and shelter – with criticism of sluggish local and even international response.


The acute crisis is giving way to long term challenges of recovery.


Apart from the death toll and millions displaced, it seems more than 18,000 were injured. Most hospitals and health facilities in typhoon-hit areas are seriously damaged. Additional hospitals and facilities set up by international groups are not all ( yet ) working. Sanitation conditions are worrying due to clean water shortage. The risks of diarrhoea, respiratory illnesses including influenza, and leptospirosis, remain high. Safety of vaccination is at risk because the vaccines can’t all be stored at the right ( cold ) temperature. It’s now estimated that 200,000 pregnant women and 130,000 breast feeding women in disaster – hit areas need specialised care.


There appear to be 87 medical teams, including 43 foreign groups, deployed to affected areas.


Basic medical supplies ( dressings, antibiotics, painkillers, and intravenous sets ), together with soap, tarpaulins, blankets have been / or are being distributed to affected areas, including remote islands.


As at least seven provinces ( Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Palawan ) have been affected, there are at least that number of separate relief efforts.


A DOH spokesman said :- “ It might take a while to get the whole health-care system back to normal and better coordination is needed … I’m still calling for more volunteers and health-care professionals, both domestically and internationally “.


The UK’s assistance alone is something we’re all proud of, and we know it’s appreciated .



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