|
Response to Humanitarian Crisis
July 2010 – Update
GlobalMedic has had an operational presence in the Gaza Strip since January of 2009. Initially our response was focused on immediate relief through the provision of clean drinking water. Immediately following that GlobalMedic partnered with Mines Advisory Group UK (MAG) to provide medical coverage for their work in clearing land from unexploded ordnance (UXO). Over the past 19 months, GlobalMedic has deployed 9 rotations of Canadian paramedics into Gaza, the most recent one being on July 16th, 2010. These paramedics put their lives at risk for months at a time to offer life saving treatment, as well as medical training to increase the standard of knowledge and ability to respond for the local teams they work with. We want to thank them all for their dedication and passion in helping those in need.
August 15th, 2009 – Update
GlobalMedic has deployed Ottawa EMS paramedic Yvonne Malbasha to replace Peel Region paramedic Sean Large in the field. Malbasha has volunteered with GlobalMedic previously on missions to Bangladesh and Vietnam. Malbasha will continue to provide on-site medical support for the MAG team operating in Gaza.
May 4, 2009 - Update
 |
In order for organizations such as MAG to deploy their Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to conflict zones in the Gaza Strip, it is imperative that they not only have medical support, but some of the best medical support in the world. GlobalMedic is able to provide that support by deploying professional Canadian paramedics who volunteer to provide emergency medical treatment and training. In the rare and unfortunate advent that an accident occurs, GlobalMedic paramedics will be on hand to provide the necessary medical support.
|
In support of the efforts of Mines Advisory Group UK, GlobalMedic has been providing a field medic to support landmine clearance operations in Gaza. Currently, Darren Sousa of Hamilton EMS is finishing an 8 week deployment and handing over operations to Jim Hill of London-Thames EMS who will continue to represent GlobalMedic and Canada for the next few months. We would also like to acknowledge Ian McLean of Calgary and Joshua Hehner who also represented GlobalMedic in Gaza and supported MAG’s EOD operations.
January 2009
At the end of 2008, Israel launched a major operation in Gaza aimed at stopping the firing of rockets into the Jewish state. The conflict has killed over 1,300 Gazans, injured over 5,300 and left thousands seeking shelter after their homes were badly damaged or destroyed. 22 days later, with a tentative ceasefire in place, some 4,000 homes had been destroyed and about 17,000 badly damaged. More than 40 percent of Palestinians in Gaza are displaced, many of whom are living in crowded IDP camps. Some 50,000 people have taken shelter in UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees) facilities during the height of the conflict and tens of thousands have been staying in very cramped conditions with family and friends. Over 500,000 Gazans do not have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Leading up to the renewed conflict, life in the Gaza Strip had worsened. Border closures and checkpoints have made it hard for Palestinians to work and trade in Israel or access public services. Socio-economic conditions in Gaza, which is subject to severe import restrictions, have deteriorated sharply and the population is increasingly reliant on food aid.
On January 22, 2009, GlobalMedic, in partnership with Muslim Aid UK and UMCOR, deployed a Rapid Response Team to the Gaza Strip. The team entered Gaza during the 7-day ceasefire. The team managed to install 50 water purification units in schools, hospitals and IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps. They also distributed 220,800 sachets of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and 10.2 million Aquatab water purificaiton tablets. The water purification units have the capacity to provide 50,000 people with clean drinking water each day, while the Aqutabs will purify 10.2 million litres of clean drinking water. The ORS has been distributed to clinics and hospitals and is being administered by health professionals to those suffering from dehydration due to illness caused by contaminated water.
GlobalMedic believes in the empowerment of those who have been affected by disaster. Through the partnering with local organizations, GlobalMedic is able to train members of affected communties on the operation of its water purification units. This enables beneficiaries to take ownership in the provision of relief to their community. When beneficiaries take ownership of relief activities, morale and confidence improves. Unfortunatley, there exists the potential for renewed conflict in Gaza. However, the water purificaiton units are easily mobile, enabling their safe storage in the advent of renewed conflict.
GlobalMedic will continue to monitor the installation and maintenance of the water purification units in the Gaza Strip, in addition to the coordination of the distribution of Aquatabs and ORS sachets.
|
|
