It’s true that media coverage of natural disasters often focuses on immediate ravages, injuries, deaths, and economic loss, with less visible long-term consequences such as health, and where the generous donations are being used.


There are continuing regular news updates, however ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25100323

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-...455613600.html

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...typhoon-haiyan
).



Health workers’ responses are receiving attention in the medical journals ( see #58 ), and continue to do so.


Unfortunately, even for me, the articles are not always easily accessible ( the British Medical Journal requires a subscription or payment for access to their articles ).


It’s still an important topic in “ The Lancet “. This month they e mailed over 40 doctors based in the Philippines for personal accounts of the medical response to the typhoon. Responses included those from :-

* Tacloban ( the first of a medical team to arrive managed to text , and described not just the clinical work but also the community mobilisation including “ Oplan Walis Tingting / Operation Broomstick ) ;

* Central Visayas ( experiences of “ Doctors to the Barrios “ programme ) ;

* Cebu ( not just the immediate response but the need for primary care including vaccination ) ;

*Panay ( at least 30 agencies of UN and international NGOs are “ on the ground “ ) ;

*Bantayan Island and Guintacan Island ( which until the typhoon had one physician for 35,000 inhabitants and another for 27,000 inhabitants ) ;

*and Metro Manila ( “ Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care “ has mobilised a wide network of mother support groups ).


( http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...415-0/fulltext

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...413-7/fulltext )



Thanks to ALL Forum members, both in Philippines and UK, who are doing a great job keeping us updated !