PORTLAND, Ore.
Medical Teams International (MTI) rushed their Global Emergency & Security Advisor, Dominic Bowen, to Nepal over the weekend in response to the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the mountainous south Asian country.
Because of the limited services and accommodations that currently exist in the region, Dominic is sleeping on the ground in a garden outside the hotel where he originally had reservations. A team of medical volunteers will depart for Nepal from the MTI headquarters in Portland Wednesday morning and join Dominic in treating people on the ground with medical care and supplies. MTI will operate in the area west of Kathmandu, close to the earthquake’s epicenter, where there are few resources available to the local people and MTI has partner organizations already in place.
The April 25 earthquake devastated Nepal. Relief efforts in the country are intensifying after more than 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured. This is the worst earthquake to hit the region in more than 80 years; destruction is widespread and crews are desperately searching for survivors under the debris.
The earthquake has outstripped the health care capacity within the Kathmandu area of Nepal. The government of Nepal has declared a state of emergency and is requesting International assistance. In addition to search and rescue teams, which are a top priority, medical teams and medical supplies have been identified as current needs.
“We know the region needs medical support teams and supplies to treat victims,” said Medical Teams International President and CEO Jeff Pinneo. “We’re responding immediately.”
Medical Teams International is uniquely equipped to respond. The non-profit aid organization’s response efforts build upon in-country partnership work started in Nepal in February.
More details of Medical Teams International deployments will be available as the worldwide disaster response continues and additional needs are identified.
Donations are needed for Medical Teams International to send desperately needed medical care and supplies now. A $1 donation ships $126 worth of donated medical supplies. For more information and to donate, go to www.medicalteams.org.
About Medical Teams International:
Medical Teams International (MTI) is a global relief and development organization serving people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world — regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. We mobilize expert volunteer medical, dental and support professionals, procure and ship donated medicines and supplies worldwide and create health programs with lasting impact. In addition to responding to the most urgent needs around the world, we use innovative technologies and training in the communities we serve. With our partners, we set up long-term development programs to achieve the most sustainable impact so local communities are more self-reliant and prepared for future emergencies. Founded in 1979, MTI is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that employs more than 500 people and annually engages 2,500 volunteers globally.
