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Red
Cross Red Crescent targets women health workers in earthquake struck
Pakistan to boost national health system 16 November 2005 Today, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies started distributing special large tents and necessary support items to some 200 Pakistan women health workers, who will use the tents to provide basic traditional health care services in the earthquake-struck districts in the North West Frontier Province. The International Federation aims to distribute 70,000 tents in total by December, but these 200 special large tents will enable women who traditionally provide primary health care to the remote mountain communities to continue their services. With this support, primary health services can be maintained in 200 different health posts across a wide area of the affected province. The women health workers are part of a national health network and are trained to give basic health care and first aid, and to take part in hygiene education and immunization campaigns. They also provide important services related to women’s health issues. Normally they would carry out their work from their homes, but the majority of them lost their houses in the earthquake. Now homeless, these women health workers are being identified by the Pakistan Red Crescent and national health authorities so that they can be supplied with tents in order to continue to provide health services. “With this distribution we are supporting a system that was already in place. These women play an important role in the communities, and we want to enable them to continue to provide essential health services in their own environment,” says Norma McRae, health coordinator in the Red Cross Red Crescent earthquake operation. “Once they have been provided with proper accommodation and space to receive patients, they can resume their activities amongst the affected population.” International Federation relief teams will be distributing some 90 tents in Balakot and surrounding villages in the Kaghan Valley, 50 tents in and around Garhi Habibullah, and 60 in the Batagram area. This is a logistical challenge, as all live in different locations. “The International Federation intends to work closely with these women now and in the long term, in order to sustain the traditional health network which ensures that women’s health concerns are met. We also see them as an avenue for our health team to reach out to affected communities with psychosocial support and water and sanitation activities,” adds McRae. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society have treated more than 30,000 people since the emergency operation started more than a month ago. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Solveig Olafsdottir, Information Delegate, Islamabad, Tel: +92 300 555 4525 Arzu Ozsoy, Information Delegate, Islamabad, Tel: +92 301 524 9672 Aoife MacEoin, Information Officer, Geneva, Tel: +41 79 308 9830 / +41 22 730 4296 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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