AmeriCares had an emergency response team on the ground in Kathmandu within 48 hours of the massive Nepal earthquake. Our immediate priorities are to deploy mobile medical teams to treat survivors, provide critical medicines and supplies to frontline health workers, and partner with local, national and international organizations to reestablish disrupted health services. AmeriCares will work in the long term to restore health facilities, improve care quality and address mental health needs.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing buildings to collapse, setting off avalanches on Mount Everest and creating extensive damage. Earthquakes survivors in Nepal are at risk for many health problems. Immediately, thousands of survivors will need medical treatment for cuts, lacerations, crush injuries and broken bones due to collapsing buildings and falling debris. In the following days and weeks, survivors may suffer from wound infections and respiratory problems from inhaling dust.
Our initial strategy in the region is focused on three priorities: 1. Deploy and support medical teams to provide direct care to survivors 2. Provide medicine and supplies to frontline health workers 3. Work with local health institutions, the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and other national and international partners to re-establish health services
Our teams are on the ground to assess needs, deliver medicines and supplies and launch our emergency program. Once high priority health needs are identified, AmeriCares will respond with air shipments of additional humanitarian aid and support medical outreach teams.
