American Red Cross Responds To Solomon Islands Tsunami

The American Red Cross
is contributing $50,000 in response to the emergency appeal from the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to assist
survivors of the tsunami that left an estimated 5,000 homeless in the
Solomon Islands, following Monday's powerful 8.2 magnitude earthquake in
the South Pacific.


The funds will be used to assist the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC)
to help affected communities to have immediate access to safe drinking
water, medical care and emergency shelter.



According to Nan Buzard, Sr. Director of International Disaster
Response for the American Red Cross, "The main focus of the work of Red
Cross in the Solomon Islands now will focus on getting relief where it is
needed as quickly as possible." Reports from the area indicate that
aftershocks still continue. "We are concerned about the more remote areas,
which Red Cross workers are accessing by canoe where necessary," said
Buzard.



The local Red Cross responded immediately to the disaster, carrying out
early assessments and distributing relief goods including hurricane lamps,
blankets, tarps and cooking sets which were stored in a Red Cross warehouse
in Gizo.



The American Red Cross continues to assist victims of the tsunami that
hit the region in 2004.



You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each
year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support
through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in
need.. Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,
P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure
online contribution by visiting redcross. The American Red
Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a
specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.


American Red Cross

redcross

Novartis Delivers 4.7 Million Treatments Of Anti-malarial Medicine To Tanzania On Africa Malaria Day

Novartis has delivered 4.7 million treatments of its life-saving anti-malaria medicine, Coartem, to the United Republic of Tanzania, an African country where malaria is the leading cause of death in both children and adults. This delivery is part of a larger global effort to provide access to Coartem without profit to patients living in malaria-endemic countries.


Malaria affects between 300 million to 500 million people each year and kills more than one million people every year. The company urges governments, companies and other organizations to work together to broaden access and remove cultural or educational hindrances to treatment.



"Malaria claims the life of one child in Africa every 30 seconds - a staggering number. We have made the commitment to ensure that those who need treatment for malaria will have access to Coartem," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis AG. "Our involvement in the fight against malaria is at the heart of our mission of caring and curing. With even greater collaboration by governments and private groups, many more lives could be saved."



Novartis delivered 62 million treatments of Coartem in 2006, without profit, to the public sector of malaria-endemic countries in Africa, a seven-fold increase from the previous year. These treatments contributed to saving an estimated 200 000 lives that would have otherwise been lost to malaria. In 2007, Novartis has the capacity to produce 100 million treatments if timely orders are received.



Coartem is the first pre-qualified, fixed-dose artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) with cure rates of up to 95%, even in areas of multi-drug resistance.


Tanzania designated Coartem as first-line therapy in its national malaria-control guidelines in 2004. During 2006 when the new treatment policy with Coartem was implemented in the country, Novartis delivered more than 8 million Coartem treatments to Tanzania. According to health authorities, malaria infects up to 18 million people in Tanzania every year. Novartis has partnered with the Tanzanian government and other organizations to expand access to this life-saving treatment.



Fighting malaria on the ground


The shipment of 4.7 million treatments of Coartem was loaded on eleven trucks and driven from Switzerland to Belgium, where it was flown to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This action is the latest example of the commitment of significant resources by Novartis for local anti-malaria projects across Africa.



Since 2003, Novartis has served as a convening partner inviting scientists, policy makers and implementers to address barriers to roll out ACT therapy. Most recently, the company implemented three best practice workshops, attended by heads of national malaria control programs of African countries that have adopted ACTs as first-line therapy, or are considering switching to ACTs from ineffective therapies. Patient and healthcare provider compliance programs are also emphasized which include pictorial manuals with step-by-step instructions on dosage.These manuals are available in English, French, Swahili, Portuguese, Spanish and dominant local languages.
















In Tanzania, the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development and its partners have addressed additional access obstacles. In two Tanzanian districts, the Foundation has carried out malaria awareness programs to encourage patients to seek appropriate and timely treatment. The programs also aim to strengthen the proper diagnosis and treatment in public health facilities and support the geographic extension of accredited drug dispensing outlets. Novartis has agreed on a pilot basis to supply Coartem without profit to these outlets in order to improve access in remote rural areas.



Researching cures for the future


Novartis scientists also are working to discover the next generation of malaria medicines. In 2006, the company announced the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases would initiate research on malaria, in addition to current programs with dengue and tuberculosis. Research will focus on the development of a one-dose cure for Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly form of malaria, and a curative course of treatment for Plasmodium vivax, the most frequent and widely distributed form of malaria.



Novartis is also working with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, a nonprofit foundation based in Geneva, to develop a new pediatric formulation of Coartem. The new formulation is expected to be introduced in 2008.



Professor Klaus M. Leisinger, President of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, said exploring new cultural and organizational strategies also is critical: "While it is important to continue to develop new medicines, supply treatments without profit and provide medical education support, sometimes it is not enough. This is why the Novartis Foundation has initiated field research to overcome cultural, institutional and attitudinal obstacles that hinder access to malaria medicine. This comprehensive commitment makes Novartis an industry leader in the fight against malaria."



About Coartem


Coartem is the first WHO pre-qualified, fixed-dose ACT combining artemether, an artemisinin derivative, and lumefantrine. It is a highly effective and well-tolerated antimalarial that achieves cure rates of up to 95%, even in areas of multi-drug resistance. It is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria, the most dangerous form of malaria.



Artemisinin is a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever. An ACT is a combination of two or more drugs (one of which is an artemisinin derivative) that have different modes of action and different targets. Studies have shown that using two or more drugs in combination has the potential to delay the development of resistance in areas of low transmission. ACTs in particular have been found to be highly effective in treating malaria and their potential to delay resistance in areas of intense transmission is under investigation.




Disclaimer


This release contains certain forward-looking statements that can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "commitment", "will", "capacity", or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding Novartis' ability to satisfy Coartem production requirements in 2007 or the future, or regarding the development of potential future anti-malarial medications. Such forward looking statements reflect the current views of the Company regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Novartis will be able to achieve any particular level of Coartem production in the future. Nor can there be any guarantee that Novartis' efforts to develop the next generation of anti-malarial medicines will be successful. In particular, management's expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties regarding the timeliness of the orders to be placed for Coartem by the ordering countries; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain the necessary raw materials; uncertainties relating to the performance of our suppliers KPC and ZMC; uncertainties relating to regulatory actions or government regulation generally, including Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations; uncertainties involved in the development of new pharmaceutical products, including unexpected clinical trial results; as well as factors discussed in the Company's Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.




About Novartis


Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, cure disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics, human vaccines and leading self-medication OTC brands. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in these areas. In 2006, the Group's businesses achieved net sales of USD 37.0 billion and net income of USD 7.2 billion. Approximately USD 5.4 billion was invested in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 100,000 associates and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit novartis.


Novartis was named in 2006 the Healthcare Sector Leader by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). In 2006, 33.6 million patients around the world benefited from Novartis programs valued at USD 755 million. These initiatives range from drug donation and research programs to combat neglected diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy in developing nations to patient assistance programs that help cancer patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available. For further information, please consult novartis.


View drug information on Coartem.

USAID Provides Flood Assistance To Costa Rica

In response to the
effects of Tropical Storm Hanna, the U.S. government, through the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial
$40,000 to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, for air support to
transport relief commodities and personnel to affected communities.



On September 5, U.S. Ambassador Peter Cianchette issued a disaster
declaration in response to the flooding in Costa Rica. From September 2 -
5, the passage of Tropical Storm Hanna caused heavy rains and serious
flooding in the western part of the country. The flooding particularly
affected Guanacaste Province, including the communities of Carrillo, Santa
Cruz, Islona, Corralillo, Bolson, and La Guinea, as well as the cantons of
Montes de Oro and Puntarenas. According to the Government of Costa Rica's
(COCR) National Emergency Commission (CNE), the flooding affected an
estimated 38,000 people and caused 1,000 individuals to evacuate
residences. Flood-related landslides resulted in the closure of roads and
the destruction of the water system in Puntarenas Canton, according to the
GOCR Ministry of Public Works. The CNE requested air support to transport
medical supplies and personnel to flood-affected communities until flood
waters recede and roads re-open.



USAID will continue to monitor the situation and will provide
additional support as needed.



For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance
programs, please visit:
usaid/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance.



The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.


U.S. Agency for International Development

usaid

Zimbabwe Lifts Ban On Groups Providing HIV/AIDS, Food Services

Zimbabwe has lifted the suspension of field work for nongovernmental organizations involved in HIV/AIDS and supplementary feeding services, The Herald/AllAfrica reports. In a letter sent to the NGOs on Friday, Sydney Mhishi -- acting secretary for Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare -- said that the provision of antiretroviral drugs and food supplies is not affected by the recent suspension because such activities do not constitute community mobilization (The Herald/AllAfrica, 6/18).

The government earlier this month suspended all field work after accusing NGOs of siding with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change ahead of the election. Tsvangirai defeated President Robert Mugabe in the first round of the election. Zimbabwe's Social Welfare Minister Nicholas Goche said the government ordered NGOs to suspend their work because they were violating the terms of their agreement with the government. Zimbabwe's National Association of Nongovernmental Organizations said that the government's order would particularly endanger people living with HIV/AIDS (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 6/10).

"The suspension does not prohibit those on [antiretroviral] therapy and those benefiting from home-based care programs to continue accessing drugs and therapeutic feeding from clinics and hospitals," Mhishi said, adding, "Supplementary feeding is a community-based program which does not entail community mobilization by NGOs; hence, it falls outside those affected by the suspension."

The letter was sent after the government met with NGOs last Thursday to clarify the definition of field operations, as well as to discuss the reasons for and duration of the suspension (The Herald/AllAfrica, 6/18). Mugabe also met recently with United Nations officials to evaluate the political situation ahead of the run-off election (AFP/Google, 6/18). According to Mhishi, other suspended NGOs will be permitted to resume operations when investigations are completed.

NANGO Communications Manager Fambai Ngirande welcomed the announcement and said he hopes that the lifting of the suspension will be extended to all NGOs. More than 400 NGOs are involved in HIV/AIDS work in the country, according to The Herald/AllAfrica (The Herald/AllAfrica, 6/18).


Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

© 2008 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

Professional Quarterback Matt Leinart Teams Up With American Red Cross To Promote CPR/AED Awareness

Arizona Cardinals Quarterback and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member, Matt Leinart, hosted a press conference Monday, March 10, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. PST, calling for the nation's attention to the importance of knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator.)


During the press conference, held at the Silver Screen Theater located at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, Leinart, along with members of the American Red Cross, gave a CPR/AED demonstration in order to illustrate how simple it is to perform CPR and use an AED. Nearly everyone is capable of learning to save a life.


"It's great to have this opportunity to educate the country on how important it is for all of us to know what to do in case of an emergency," said Leinart. "I have a very demanding schedule, yet I felt it was important for me to take the time to become trained and certified in CPR/AED in case my loved ones and others around me ever needed my help."


Each year approximately 325,000 Americans suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Tragically, more than 95 percent of sudden cardiac victims die before reaching the hospital. Every minute counts. Each minute defibrillation is delayed reduces a person's chance of survival by about 10 percent.


In his role as a 2008 Celebrity Cabinet member, Leinart will volunteer his time with the Red Cross helping to bring attention to the number of lives that can be saved each year if more people become trained and certified in CPR/AED and other lifesaving skills.


Larry Paul, American Red Cross Board of Governors member in attendance, stated "The National Celebrity Cabinet plays a tremendous role in giving visibility and credibility to the lifesaving work of the Red Cross. We are proud to call upon them as volunteers."


The press conference is an important prelude of events the Red Cross is planning in recognition of the first "National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week". During the first week of June, the Red Cross has set a goal to reach 250,000 people nationwide with lifesaving CPR and AED information and training.


The Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and office is trained in first aid and CPR/AED. Enrolling in a CPR/AED course provides the confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can save a life.


For more information on CPR/AED and other safety training, contact your local Red Cross chapter or log on to redcross.


About the American Red Cross


The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission.

American Red Cross

Palestinian Health Ministry In Financial Crisis, WHO Warns

The Palestinian Health Ministry is facing a growing financial crisis as well as a humanitarian crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned ahead of the Stockholm donor conference on the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The health component of the revised UN humanitarian appeal for the territory is critically underfunded despite growing humanitarian needs, especially in Gaza.


The situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has been deteriorating due to a severe funding crisis and the recent escalation of violence, on top of five years of the Intifada. Military activity, restrictions on movement, a severe economic downturn and escalating unemployment have had an extremely negative impact on the health of the Palestinian people.


On Saturday, government employees in the West Bank, including health workers, began a strike to demand payment of their long-overdue salaries.


The funding crisis at the Ministry of Health has worsened since economic restrictions were imposed in March this year and now threatens the delivery of essential health services. The Ministry manages 60% of health services and all public health programmes in the territory. Should this crisis continue, the Palestinian health system will further deteriorate and services will be disrupted, with grave consequences for the health of the Palestinian people. An early sign of this disruption is the alternating shortages of essential drugs and supplies reported by the Ministry.


"There are urgent needs including essential medicines and supplies that have to be met as soon as possible," said Dr Ala Alwan, Representative of the WHO Director-General for Health Action in Crisis. "WHO is responding to some of the most urgent needs from its internal resources but the funds available are limited. We hope that the international community will generously respond to this appeal so that we can make difference in the life and health of the Palestinian people."


"We can't continue unless we get our salaries," said a senior director in the Ministry of Health in Nablus, standing with other striking employees outside the hospital. "We have been quiet six months and can't be quiet any longer."


On Monday, WHO staff visited hospitals and primary health care facilities in Ramallah and Bethlehem districts. They found that hospital admissions and surgical operations are only accepted in very critical cases, once approved by a technical medical committee and the local strike committee. On Thursday, the Minister of Health underlined his concern over the ongoing strike in West Bank and made a call to the international community to renew its commitments in support of the health of the Palestinian population.


On 12 June, WHO organized a meeting attended by the Ministry of Health of the Palestinian Authority, UNRWA, the World Bank, OCHA, other UN agencies and around 30 donors to review the current health situation and to discuss mechanisms to address the needs of the Palestinian population and avert a health crisis.


The international community formulated a plan of action - the Temporary International Mechanism, which started providing allowances to health workers and covering running costs including fuel for health institutions. Until this mechanism becomes completely operational, there is a need for financial bridges to avoid a collapse of the health care system and to ensure that critical health needs are addressed In the meantime WHO has been monitoring the health situation and accessibility to health care and will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation.


WHO requested for $30 million as part of the revised UN appeal. As at 31 August, only $1.4 million had been received.


who.int

Free Air Transportation For Children With Life-Threatening Illnesses

The Hope Flight Foundation provides dependable, free air transportation for children who need critical medical treatment at facilities far from their homes. Flights to children's healthcare camps and 'make-a-wish' flights are also provided.


Hope Flight was founded and incorporated as a non-profit public benefit organization in California in October 2005, by Douglas Harding, a pilot and flight instructor. He saw a need for dependable free air transportation for children with life-threatening illnesses in need of medical treatment at facilities far from their homes. "I want to use the flight skills and knowledge I have acquired to help those in need of transport to critically needed medical care, and to enrich, inspire, empower, and transform peoples lives" says Douglas.



We have begun fundraising for our Aircraft Acquisition Fund to purchase a Cessna 421, or Beechcraft King Air. This twin-engine aircraft has the capacity to carry six passengers, a wheelchair, and luggage to the treating hospital. We need to raise $1,000,000 to purchase the Cessna 421, or a Beechcraft King Air, and prepare it for our mission. We will need an additional $400,000 for fuel, aircraft insurance, and maintenance each year for our flights of Hope and Healing. We are also interested in building an endowment fund to support our year to year operating expenses.



For more information on Hope Flight Foundation please call Douglas Harding at 510-427-3956 or visit our website hopeflightfoundation.

Hope Flight Foundation

Rescue Robot Tests To Offer Responders High-tech Help

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) engineers are organizing the fourth in a series of Response Robot Evaluation Exercises for urban search and rescue (US&R) responders to be held on June 18-22, 2007, at Texas A&M's "Disaster City" training facility in College Station, Texas. These events, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, test robot performance on emerging standard test methods using actual training scenarios for emergency responders. The results will be used to refine the test methods, and in developing usage guides that match specific kinds of US&R robots to particular disaster scenarios.



This exercise will use two Disaster City training scenarios. A simulated structural collapse of a municipal building will allow responders to deploy robots to search for victims and assist in "rendering the structure safe" for responders to extricate those victims. This will require robots to face a variety of challenges as they traverse complex and confined spaces within the structure's semi-collapsed walls, sloping floors, rubble and voids while searching for victims. The robots will be deploying high-tech sensors such as laser scanners to capture the size and shape of interior voids to help structural engineers set up shoring supports.



Responders also will use robots to investigate a "train wreck/derailment" involving a passenger train and an industrial HAZMAT tanker train carrying unknown substances. The unknown hazards of the incident will require emergency responders to direct work from a distance of 150 m (500 ft) initially. This scenario will require robots to traverse railroad tracks, wreckage and debris to map the scene, look in windows to locate victims, find hazardous leaks and identify tanker placards describing their contents. Some robots also may take samples of unknown substances for analysis, all while being remotely controlled from a safe distance. This exercise will focus on ground robots that are highly agile, human-portable, or even throwable, and robots that can circumnavigate a large area from a remote operator station. The robots will feature a variety of sensors, including color cameras, two-way audio transmitters, thermal imagers, chemical sensors, 3D mapping systems and GPS locators paired with geographic information systems (GIS).



Robot developers and vendors benefit from these exercises by learning firsthand what emergency responders need to perform their roles safely and effectively, and by getting feedback about their systems during mock deployments. The emergency responders benefit by getting to work with a wide variety of high-tech solutions within their own deployment scenarios and to guide robot developers toward answering their needs. Both communities will benefit from the emerging standard robot test methods being developed as a result of these exercise, which will provide a means of measuring and comparing robot performance to help responders understand the trade-offs of particular devices, and also help measure and compare operator proficiency in performing critical task through remote control interfaces.







This Response Robot Evaluation Exercise is locally hosted by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and the Texas Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) task force team (TX-TF1),



For further information, see isd.mel.nistus&r_robot_standards/disaster_city/eventintro4.htm.



Contact: John Blair


National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

G8: Reform Food Aid System And Generate Resources To Reduce Malnutrition

World leaders meeting at the G8 and G20 summits will not succeed in improving mother and child health in the developing world unless they fundamentally change how they address malnutrition and establish new sustainable funding sources to combat this treatable and preventable condition, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/M?©decins Sans Fronti??res (MSF) said.


Malnutrition affects 195 million children worldwide and is the underlying cause of at least one-third of the eight million annual deaths of children under five years of age. It can cause stunting, cognitive impairment, and lead to greater susceptibility to disease. The problem is inextricably linked with mother and child health, as malnourished mothers give birth to underweight children, perpetuating a vicious cycle. Many mothers living in areas of high food insecurity do not have access to foods like milk and eggs that contain the high-quality protein and other essential nutrients that their children need. Currently, most international food aid consists of nutritionally inadequate fortified corn-soy flours, which do not provide the nutrients young children need most.


"Foods we would never give our own children to eat are being sent overseas as food aid to the most vulnerable children in malnutrition hotspots in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia," said MSF International President Dr. Christophe Fournier. "This double standard must stop. As the world's leading food aid donors, G8 countries are uniquely positioned to have a major impact on reducing malnutrition. If world leaders in Muskoka and Toronto want to truly roll back mother and child mortality, it is imperative they commit to reforming key parts of the global food aid system. We know what works and what children need - let's simply get it to them."


In addition to improving the quality of food aid provided to young children, an effective overall nutrition response will require substantial financial resources. The World Bank estimates it will cost $12 billion per year to address malnutrition in the most-affected countries. In a time of global economic austerity, current funding from donors is insufficient, volatile, and unpredictable. Sustainable sources of funding through innovative financial mechanisms are required, such as the financial transaction tax currently promoted by the European Union. A share of the funds raised by such means must be earmarked to global health issues such as nutrition, HIV/AIDS treatment, and tuberculosis research.


In 2009, MSF treated 208,000 children affected by severe acute malnutrition in its programs. Although this is barely one percent of the 20 million children estimated to be affected, this represents more than 15 percent of the 1,200,000 children who received treatment.


"Nongovernmental agencies should not be expected to carry such a huge burden in fighting malnutrition," said Dr. Fournier. "Donor governments need to step up to fill the gap and help the most-affected countries follow lifesaving nutrition programs that have been successfully implemented in countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Brazil. We need sustainable sources of funding, like the proposed financial transaction levy, that dedicate a share to global health - not the one-shot pledges that G8 summits are prone to deliver."


The G8 gathering coincides with the onset of a particularly harsh "hunger gap" season in Africa's Sahel region, the period when staple food crops are exhausted before the next harvest. Most countries in the region are already experiencing increasing rates of childhood malnutrition. MSF is operating emergency nutrition programs-and reinforcing existing ones-in Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Sudan.


MSF recently launched "Starved for Attention," a global multimedia campaign to highlight the crisis of childhood malnutrition and how increased childhood sickness and death can be prevented with effective nutrition interventions.

Source:
Doctors Without Borders

Global Fund Should Focus On 'Wider Factors' Involved In Fighting Diseases, Editorial Says

The "only sound public health and human rights approach" for the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to take is to begin addressing the "wider factors" involved in fighting the three diseases, a Lancet Infectious Diseases editorial says. As the Global Fund approaches its upcoming round seven meeting -- scheduled for Nov. 11 through 13 -- to examine funding proposals, there is an "opportunity to do more," according to the editorial. The Global Fund should "be bold enough to expand" its scope to include broader health factors involved in tackling the three diseases, the editorial says.

The "current lack of support" for the Global Fund is "disappointing" and "dangerously short-sighted" because the organization has "established itself as the major player in the fight against" the three diseases, the editorial says. However, it is "easy to be distracted by the Global Fund's financial worries, and there are other key factors at play that may limit its effectiveness," according to the Lancet. There has been "[c]onsiderable criticism" directed toward the Global Fund's disease-specific approach, which many say "distorts comprehensive health planning" and "does not contribute to overall health system strengthening," the editorial says. Nevertheless, the current funding round guidelines state that applicants can request funds for health infrastructure building if these projects are essential to reducing the impact and spread of HIV/AIDS, TB or malaria, the editorial says. It adds that this is a "welcome step" because it shows that the Global Fund is prepared to take more of a "whole-systems approach" to reducing the burden of infectious diseases in "resource-poor countries."

"Expanding its remit to include a greater focus on the wider issues would be the right thing to do," the editorial says, concluding, "It is time for the Global Fund to rise to the challenge" (Lancet Infectious Diseases, November 2007).

Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

World Food Programme To Assist Hurricane-Affected Communities In Cuba

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is gearing up to
assist 1.78 million Cubans affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which
pummeled the island in late August and early September. The newly approved
emergency operation will support the Cuban government as it responds to
communities needing food assistance in areas that bore the brunt of
hurricane damage.



"WFP is playing an important role helping people who suffered great losses
in the storms," said Sonsoles Ruedas, WFP Representative in Cuba, adding
that these were two of the worst hurricanes to strike Cuba in the past
fifty years.



Over the next six months, WFP will provide food rations - comprised of
rice, beans, vegetable oil, canned fish and CSB (a blended food compound
of maize and soy fortified with vitamins and minerals) - at a cost of
US$5.7 million. As well as providing rations to communities that have
been affected by the hurricanes, WFP will supply temporary food storage
warehouses and liquid gas stoves to people who lost cooking facilities in
the storms.



"As on previous occasions, we trust in the generosity of donors to carry
out this operation which will allow us to provide assistance to affected
populations," added Ruedas.



The new emergency operation will be carried out in close collaboration
with the Ministry of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation (MINVEC)
which will coordinate the timely distribution of commodities at a national
level along with the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN).



WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline
agency for hunger solutions. This year, WFP plans to feed 90 million people
in 80 countries.



Source


Gregory Barrow, WFP/Rome

Alejandro Chicheri, WFP/Latin America and the Caribbean

Elio Rujano, WFP/Latin America and the Caribbean

Caroline Hurford, WFP/London

Jennifer Parmelee, WFP/Washington

Bettina Luescher, WFP/New York


WFP

In Quake's Aftermath, Chinese Sift Through Rubble For Radioactivity - IAEA Training, Equipment Help China To Recover Radioactive Sources

In the wake of the strongest and deadliest earthquake to ravage China in decades, the task of searching through wreckage for victims and property proved an onerous one. The 7.9-magnitude earthquake of 12 May devastated China??s mountainous Sichuan Province, killing an estimated 69,000 people and causing extensive property damage.


Among the many dangerous materials buried in the rubble lay a hidden enemy - stray radioactive sources that could complicate relief efforts or cause contamination. So when the Sichuan earthquake struck, Chinese authorities sprang into action. Utilizing IAEA training and donated equipment, Chinese emergency teams were deployed to the affected area for recovery efforts.


Under an IAEA Technical Cooperation Project launched in early 2007, staff from Chinese national authorities was trained on how to search for "lost" sources, and to then control and dispose of them safely. Now, those teams used radiation detection equipment to pinpoint the location of 50 sources and safely recover all of them, according to China??s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA).


Full Story: In Quake??s Aftermath, Chinese Sift Through Rubble for Radioactivity


About the IAEA


The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) serves as the world's foremost intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Established as an autonomous organization under the United Nations (UN) in 1957, the IAEA carries out programmes to maximize the useful contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.

International Atomic Energy Agency

American Red Cross Adds Five New Celebrity Volunteers

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce five new additions to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need.


New members to the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet include country singer and professional ballroom dancer Julianne Hough; Tony Award®-winner and actress Anika Noni Rose, who lends her voice to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure "The Princess and the Frog" and appears in the HBO/Anthony Minghella television drama series,"#1 Ladies' Detective Agency"; Hollywood Records artist and Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato, who is supporting disaster relief via a Text 2 Help campaign throughout her summer tour; actress Sally Pressman from Lifetime's "Army Wives" who will be supporting Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces and actress Amanda Peet.


Peet has already made a personal commitment to support the Red Cross Measles Initiative. "As a mom, I feel privileged to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to vaccinate millions of children around the world through the Measles Initiative, a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. I commend the American Red Cross for tackling this global health problem in developing countries, where measles remains a leading cause of death, despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. I am passionate about this cause and look forward partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure children worldwide have this life-saving opportunity."


"The American Red Cross runs on the valuable service of volunteers to fulfill our mission, and we are grateful that these celebrities are setting an example by volunteering their time and talents to help raise awareness of our work in responding to disasters, providing blood, helping military members and their families and promoting preparedness through first aid or CPR classes," states Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross.


The announcement of these celebrity supporters closely follows First Lady Michelle Obama's official launch of the United We Serve initiative, a call for nationwide service to begin a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs. The initiative spans throughout the summer and will culminate with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. During this time, the Red Cross will promote volunteer opportunities throughout its network of more than 700 chapters to help encourage community service.


"I am honored to be a part of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and help support an organization that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war and aid to victims of devastating natural disasters. Being part of this amazing organization will provide me with an opportunity to join its efforts to help others and encourage the American public to become involved with their local Red Cross and make a difference," said Julianne Hough. Please visit Celebrity Cabinet member quotes.















The Red Cross benefits from the involvement of public figures and celebrities dating back to World War I. Over the years, actors, artists, and sports figures committing their time and talents to the organization have played an important role in raising public awareness of Red Cross services nationwide.


New Members of the 2009 American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet


- Julianne Hough is multi-talented; a singer, a dancer and actress. She is widely known for being a two-time winner of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Her self-titled debut album was released in May of last year, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and is currently in the studio working on her second. This spring, Hough won the Top New Artist award at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. She can be seen on stage this summer as the opening act for George Strait's Summer 2009 tour.


- Demi Lovato burst on to the scene after starring alongside the Jonas Brothers in the Disney Channel Original film "Camp Rock." She released her first album, Don't Forget, in 2008 and will release her second studio album, Here We Go Again, on July 21, 2009. Demi also stars in her own hit series "Sonny with a Chance" and co-stars in the Disney Channel Original film, "Princess Protection Program" with Selena Gomez. Lovato performed as the Jonas Brothers' opening act for their "Burning Up" tour last summer, and this summer she has her own tour, with special guest David Archuleta. Additionally, Lovato's family was devastated by a tornado that struck Mena, Arkansas on April 9 and Demi is committed to support disaster awareness through the American Red Cross Text 2 Help campaign.


- Amanda Peet gained recognition as the leading lady in the smash hit comedy "The Whole Nine Yards" with Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry. She was also named one of People's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" the same year. Peet showcases her talents in feature films "Something's Gotta Give", "Igby Goes Down", "Syriana", alongside George Clooney, and this year's disaster film "2012". Peet's passion to serve is demonstrated in her support for non-profits and advocacy for childhood vaccination.


- Sally Pressman plays the role of Roxy LeBlanc on Lifetime's "Army Wives," and has previously acted in the independent film "The Dread" and the TV show "Shark". She was classically trained in ballet and is a former member of the Manhattan Ballet Company. She attended Yale University where she acted in several plays and received a B.A. in theatre studies.


- Anika Noni Rose won the 2004 Tony Award for her role in Broadway's "Caroline or Change", and this Spring she could be seen weekly as Grace Makutsi on HBOs "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". She starred in the feature film "Dream Girls" alongside Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, and this year Rose lends her voice to Disney's upcoming animated feature "The Princess and the Frog", becoming Disney's first African-American princess.


This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Peyton and Eli Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, "Access Hollywood's" Nancy O'Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Raven-Symone, Elisabeth Rohm, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, and Daddy Yankee.


The Red Cross is honored to have Sherry Lansing, former chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Group, Paramount Pictures and former member of the Red Cross Board of Governors, to serve as National Celebrity Cabinet Chair.


Please visit redcross/celebritycabinet/ to learn more about the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.


Source

American Red Cross

HHS Deploying U.S. Medical Personnel To Haiti

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. More than 250 personnel are in the process of deploying to Haiti and over 12,000 personnel could possibly assist in the coming days.


"HHS medical personnel from across the country are traveling to Haiti to provide emergency medical care," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "These experts will provide medical care to the injured and will support the public health response on the ground. Additional medical personnel will be deploying to Haiti to help address the critical health issues in the aftermath of the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are suffering from this terrible disaster."


The medical teams include doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical and surgical physicians, and other medical personnel from Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. An International Medical Surgical Response Team will provide care for severely injured patients and five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams will provide basic medical care. These personnel will be accompanied by 22,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies.


In addition, experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist with checking the water and food supply.


HHS is committed to supporting the medical and public health needs of the Haitian people. The department will continue to mobilize support staff and supplies as part of the integrated U.S. government response to the earthquake.


Source
HHS

ABMS Board Certification Data A Proven Tool In Identifying The Most Qualified Physician Specialists To Assist In An Emergency

Over the years, Board Certification data provided by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has played a crucial role in verifying those physicians who are Board Certified by an ABMS Member Board, and the information has been accessed by state and federal officials in emergency situations so victims can receive immediate quality care from the most qualified specialists. Currently, 32 states/jurisdictions rely on ABMS Board Certification data and have incorporated it into their Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP), a federal program created to support states and territories in establishing standardized volunteer registration programs for disasters and public health and medical emergencies, so that they can be prepared to direct victims to medical help at a moment's notice. The program, administered on the state level, verifies the identification and credentials of health professionals so they can respond more quickly when a disaster strikes. By registering through ESAR-VHP, volunteers' identities, licenses, credentials, accreditations and hospital privileges are all verified in advance, which saves valuable time in emergencies.


"Providing information to the public that assures them of a physician's qualifications was one of the original purposes of ABMS, and remains equally as important today."


"Board Certification goes above and beyond basic medical licensure, and shows that a physician meets nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills to provide high quality care in a specific medical specialty, which can be particularly useful during emergencies when every second is critical," said Kevin B. Weiss, ABMS President and CEO. "Providing information to the public that assures them of a physician's qualifications was one of the original purposes of ABMS, and remains equally as important today."


ABMS Board Certification data has on several occasions proved its usefulness in helping the public gain access to highly qualified physicians in the midst of some of our country's most challenging moments. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services electronically accessed ABMS Board Certification data for the emergency verification of volunteers in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. ABMS Board Certification data has also been used to assist in the aftermath of the 2007 Minneapolis bridge collapse and the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, and was even kept on hand as a precautionary measure during the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. In addition to the effectiveness it has served in these capacities, ABMS Board Certification data can also be used to assist victims of other types of disasters such as tornadoes, oil spills, wildfires or acts of terrorism, and continues to expand to other organizations that need to verify credentials after a disaster or tragedy.















Besides the value it provides in emergencies, ABMS Board Certification data has been referenced by entities such as health care organizations, insurance companies, law firms, recruiters and research organizations. Initially offered in a print directory, information on the 750,000-plus physicians who are Board Certified by an ABMS Member Board today is contained in a centralized database maintained by ABMS that is circulated through its licensees for professional use and can be accessed with a simple click of a mouse, a feature that can prove to be a life-saver in the event of an emergency.


"As specialty medicine expanded and the number of certifying boards grew, information on Board Certification quickly became an important part of a physician's profile," said Dr. Weiss. "While a physician does not need to be Board Certified in order to practice medicine, Board Certification granted by an ABMS Member Board is a nationally recognized credential held in high regard by the health care industry and relied upon by health plans, payers and policy makers as a benchmark for assessing a doctor's qualifications. Board Certification information provided by ABMS is considered a 'gold standard' because of its credibility and quality."


By 2005, many medium to larger organizations that credential and privilege physicians were asking for products and services to streamline the credentials verification and application management process, reduce costs and create efficient processes. In response, ABMS launched ABMS Direct Connect Select™, a new eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) Web service that allows credentialing professionals and emergency certification personnel to quickly and efficiently conduct electronic Primary Source Verification of physician specialty certification in the ABMS database through authorized credentialing systems.


Quick, efficient access to primary source physician certification information is important to emergency response teams who must verify the credentials of the many physicians who volunteer after a natural disaster or other major event that impacts the public's health. The initial roll-out of the ABMS Direct Connect Select™ service, which was launched one month before the first of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, was part of a state-based initiative to develop an emergency credentialing system.


"The fact that ABMS Board Certification data is looked up to by government officials at the state and federal levels is a testament to its reliability and the value it serves," said Dr. Weiss. "ABMS remains committed in its efforts to help the public find access to good, quality doctors who are highly effective in treating their health care needs."


Source:

American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

Health Concerns Associated with Disaster Victim Identification After a Tsunami,Thailand

The number of persons confirmed dead from the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004, had exceeded 174,000
as of March 31, 2005; the majority of decedents were buried or cremated without being identified. In contrast, in Thailand,
disaster victim identification (DVI) continues, with approximately 1,800 persons identified among the 5,395 persons confirmed
dead; of the dead, approximately 50% were not citizens of Thailand. This large-scale, multinational effort faced immediate
challenges, including establishment of four temporary morgues, implementation of safeguards against environmental and
occupational health hazards, and coordination of forensic procedures and safety protocols among Thai and international
forensic teams. Public health and other agencies performing large-scale DVI in temporary morgues might consider implementing
the recommendations and procedures described in this report.


Temporary Morgue Operations


After the tsunami struck, DVI teams totaling at least 600 persons, from Thailand and approximately 30 other countries,
converted temples and other buildings in the provinces of Phangna, Phuket, and Krabi into four temporary morgues by modifying
buildings and procuring DVI equipment and supplemental electricity. To store and preserve bodies, which were initially cooled
with dry ice, refrigerated containers were procured. Bodies were stored in these containers until identified and released.



Approximately 30 DVI teams at the four morgue sites initially used different forensic protocols, including various numbering
systems and methods for obtaining DNA specimens. These factors and the long travel times between the morgue sites (i.e., up
to 6 hours by road) delayed data sharing between morgues and, consequently, victim identification. As a result, the
multinational Thailand Tsunami Victim Identification committee (TTVI) was formed on January 12, 2005, to create specific,
standardized protocols and procedures for DVI, based on the Interpol Disaster Victim Identification Guide (2) and subsidiary
procedures for pathology, odontology, photography, fingerprinting, reexamination, moving of bodies, chain of custody, and DNA
testing of antemortem and postmortem samples (targeting 16 genetic loci). TTVI also recommended appointment of an
infection-control officer.

Postmortem data were recorded on Interpol forms and matched with antemortem data (e.g.,
primary data such as dental, fingerprint, or DNA data and secondary data such as age, race, sex, hair color, and jewelry)
compiled regarding missing persons at an information center (IMC) in Phuket. Antemortem data often were provided by relatives
or friends directly to IMC or through the Royal Thai Police, embassies, or consulates. The Plass System (Plass Data Software,
Holbaek, Denmark) and DNA-matching software were used to generate preliminary matches. If these matches were confirmed by a
review board of Thai medical and police authorities, identification was confirmed, a death certificate issued, and the body
released.















An estimated 700 bodies were identified and released by using varying protocols in place at the temporary morgues before
establishment of the TTVI process. Since January 12, a total of 4,082 postmortem, and 2,164 antemortem data files had been
created for matching as of March 31, 2005. From these data files, 1,112 bodies were identified, including 1,046 on the basis
of one type of data (962 dental, 71 fingerprint, 10 physical, and three DNA); 66 others were identified by combinations of
data types. Approximately 95% of identifications were of persons aged >18 years. Because little antemortem dental or
fingerprint data are available for children, their identification will rely more heavily on DNA matching.


Site Safety and Health Assessment


Until TTVI decided in late March to centralize DVI operations at a newly built morgue, Wat Yan Yao in northern Phang Na
Province was the largest temporary morgue, handling approximately 3,000 bodies during the first 3 months after the tsunami.
To ensure optimal worker safety, health, and environmental protections, on January 8, the Thai Ministry of Public Health
(MOPH) requested an assessment of this morgue by occupational and environmental health teams from MOPH and CDC. They were
joined by staff from the Armed Forces Research Institute for Medical Science, Bangkok.


At Wat Yan Yao, the temple grounds were separated into a front semipublic area and a rear area restricted to DVI procedures.
By mid-January, an estimated 300 persons per day were working at the temple. Interviews were conducted with a convenience
sample of 20 DVI workers and four administrators. Tasks included lifting bodies out of trucks or refrigerated containers,
performing autopsies, collecting other victim information and property, entering data regarding the deceased, disposing of
waste, communicating with the public and media, and issuing death certificates.

DVI procedures were conducted in the
open, in converted open enclosures, or in air-conditioned closed enclosures; these procedures included general observation of
the body, photography, fingerprinting, dental examination and radiographs, and extraction of teeth and sampling of bone
(e.g., clavicle, rib, or femur) for DNA testing. Equipment for DVI procedures included scalpels, knives, scissors, probes,
hand and oscillating saws, dental pliers, and dental radiograph equipment.


Investigators learned that no overall site safety and health plan was in effect and that certain site staff members and
nearby residents had expressed concerns regarding the risk for infection from bodies and proper disposal of liquid autopsy
waste.


Investigators observed that multiple procedures to ensure occupational and site safety were already in place, including
restricted access to DVI processing areas and refrigerated containers, collection of solid and sharps waste in labeled
biohazard bags or containers, and transportation of solid waste to a local hospital for incineration. Liquid waste was stored
in large holding tanks and then transported by truck to a local hospital sanitary drain for municipal wastewater treatment.


Personal protective equipment (PPE) was available, including disposable gowns, aprons and coveralls, nitrile and
latex gloves, rubber boots, various types of respirators, and surgical masks. However, use of PPE was left to the personal
preference of workers, often resulting in overuse and increased risk for heat stress and dehydration. Moreover, many workers
did not remove PPE when exiting DVI areas and returning to public areas. Eye protection was available but infrequently used,
except by dentists. Hand-washing facilities were insufficient; rest, food, and refreshment areas were inappropriately located
within DVI work areas adjacent to forensic procedure areas, generating risk for contamination of food and refreshments; and
limited worker training on bio- or physical safety was provided. Multiple trip hazards were noted, including electrical wires
and open drains.


Basic first-aid was provided at a temporary occupational health clinic in the morgue. Immunization status of workers was not
assessed, but the clinic provided tetanus vaccinations. Review of a single day of activity at the clinic in mid-January
logged the following: 60 wound dressings, 50 persons with vertigo, 45 persons with headache, 28 persons needing eye washes,
26 persons receiving tetanus vaccination, and one person with a head injury. In addition, interviews with staff members at a
nearby hospital determined that workers from the morgue had sought care during the previous 2 weeks for dry-ice burns,
abrasions, sharps and construction injuries, and mucosal splashes with body fluids.


Odors and flies at the morgue were controlled by using a commercial bacterial inhibitory solution (EM-1, EMRO, Okinawa,
Japan). Several types of disinfectants were available, including chlorine solutions, glutaraldehyde, benzalkonim chloride,
isopropyl alcohol, and Virkon® S (Antec International, Suffolk, United Kingdom). EM-1 and Virkon S are frequently used in
animal husbandry and veterinary settings and have not formally been assessed for efficacy against odor and fly control (EM-1)
and disinfection (Virkon S) in DVI settings. Formalin solution was used only during the first few days.


Recommendations for Temporary Morgues


To address gaps in worker and environmental safety, the investigative teams provided recommendations to MOPH to improve site
and environmental safety at Wat Yan Yao and other temporary morgues. The teams also developed fact sheets in Thai and English
regarding 1) the low risk for infection from working with bodies or breathing air in the morgue, 2) what PPE to use when
working at the morgue, and 3) what steps to take if splashed with liquid waste from a body or cut with a sharp object. In
addition, CDC staff developed guidelines for appropriate disposal of liquid waste from morgue procedures (4).


In late January, follow-up interviews with TTVI officials determined that many of the recommendations were implemented at Wat
Yan Yao, including distribution of fact sheets to workers, appropriate disposal of liquid waste, movement of food and
refreshment areas away from work areas, and installation of hand-washing stations.....
CONTINUES...... cdc/mmwr

Galveston 1900 Hurricane was the Worst Disaster in American History - Background

Reporters following Hurricane Rita are advised that a report on the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas--still the worst natural disaster in American history--is now available on the AGU Web site.

It is a chapter from the book, Hurricane!: Coping with Disaster (AGU, 2003), covering the event itself and lessons learned from it.


Hurricane! was edited by Robert Simpson, who has studied severe weather and its impact for more than 60 years. He is a former director of the National Hurricane Center. With Herbert Saffir, he devised the Saffir/Simpson scale for classifying potential damage from hurricanes in both the Atlantic and Pacific areas.


The chapter may be seen if you Click Here.


For further information on Hurricane! Coping with Disaster. Click here.


Harvey Leifert

hleifertagu

1-202-777-7507

American Geophysical Union

agu

World's Leading Humanitarian Video Game: Now In Seven Languages

This week, the world's first humanitarian video game - "Food Force"
- will be available in seven languages following the launch of French,
Hungarian and Chinese versions. These will join the Japanese, Italian and
Polish editions already available, and the original English game launched
in mid-2005.



The games are being released in the lead up to World Food Day, 16 October.



Food Force is an educational computer game created by the United Nations
World Food Programme (WFP) to teach children about the problem of hunger
and the importance of humanitarian aid work. The game, which is targeted at
children aged 8 to 13, is available as a free download from
food-force.



"Food Force is clear evidence that with the right medium, an issue as
invisible and distant as hunger in the developing world can trigger
interest and support in countries where too much food is the high profile
problem today," said Neil Gallagher, WFP's Director of Communications.
"Positive reactions from children, teachers, parents, game specialists
around the world have surpassed all our expectations. We are thrilled that
Food Force has crossed so many borders."



The English, Japanese, Italian and Polish versions, which were launched
over the past 18 months, have totalled over 4.5 million downloads to date,
making Food Force a major success story in the educational gaming sector.



All Food Force language versions have been made possible through donations
from game industry leaders and international organisations. The French game
was supported by the computer and video game publisher Ubisoft, and will be
launched in Paris on 15 October. The Hungarian version, which will be
launched in Budapest on 13 October, has been financed by the European
Commission's development agency, ECHO. The Chinese Food Force, which was
built on a pro-bono basis by one of China's leading media companies, Shanda
Interactive Entertainment Limited, will be presented to the public on 19
October.







WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: each year, we give food to
an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs,
including 58 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest
countries.



WFP Global School Feeding Campaign - For just 19 US cents a day, you can
help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school - a gift
of hope for a brighter future.



For further information please go to:
World Food Program WFP - We Feed People

Tracing The Hayward Fault: Online And On The Ground

Ever wonder exactly where the Hayward Fault is located? Three new educational publications will show you just where to look. A field trip guidebook, online virtual tour, and factsheet aimed at increasing awareness of the greater Bay Area's most hazardous and urbanized fault are available courtesy of USGS scientists.



The 140th anniversary of the 1868 Hayward earthquake this October 21 marks an important milestone - the past five large earthquakes on the Hayward Fault have been about 140 years apart on average, and a repeat of this powerful earthquake could happen at any moment. A recent report indicates that the Hayward Fault is the most likely fault to produce a magnitude-6.7 or larger earthquake in the greater Bay Area in the next 30 years.



The field trip guidebook is available online at pubs.usgs/of/2008/1135/,
the online virtual tour at earthquake.usgs/regional/nca/1868virtualtour/, and the factsheet at pubs.usgs/fs/2008/3019/.



Source: Jessica Robertson


United States Geological Survey

UK Fuelling Conflict In Sub Sahahran Africa

The UK, along with many other developed nations, is escalating the affect of conflict in Sub-Saharan African countries (SSA), such as Darfur.


A recent report published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (JRSM) highlights the fact that Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) are the only weapons used in 94% of conflicts. The UK was the second largest exporter of these weapons into SSA, behind France, accounting for 10% of their total imports between 1992-2004.


The two authors, Bernadette O'Hare, a consultant paediatrician, and David Southall, Honorary Director at Child Advocacy International, conclude that children under the age of five in SSA are more likely to die, more likely to be underweight and less likely to have received vaccinations than children under the age of five in SSA that haven't experienced conflicts.


"The median under-5 mortality rate in countries with recent conflict is 197 per 1000 live births, while for countries without recent conflict this rate is significantly lower at 137 per1000 live births," write the authors.


They go on to say that "In Darfur, where 1.25 million people are displaced at the present time, children die at rates between 1 and 5.9 per 10000 per day, or between 37 and 215 per 1000 per year."


The report points out that in the SSA countries that have experienced conflict, child enrolment in primary schools and female literacy is lower than that in countries that haven't experienced conflict, not only putting the children at a disadvantage but also the future development of the country.


''First do no harm: The impact of recent armed conflict on maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa' is published in the December issue (Vol.100) of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.


JRSM is the flagship journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. It has full editorial independence of the RSM. It has been published continuously since 1809. Its Editor is Dr Kamran Abbasi.


The December issue of the JRSM was published on Friday 30 November 2007. The article will be available free at Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine from Friday 7 December.

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

WFP To Increase Food Handouts In Malawi After Receiving Maize Donation From Government

The World Food Programme on Monday announced that it will almost double food handouts to people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi after receiving maize donations from the government, Reuters Health reports. Before the donation, WFP was providing monthly food assistance to more than 110,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and about 1,500 malnourished women and children in the country. The agency in a statement said with the donation, it will be able to provide food to up to 203,000 Malawians in November and December.

According to Reuters Health, Malawi has had two consecutive good harvests, producing 3.4 million tons of maize last year -- 1.3 million tons more than it needed. The rising production has prompted the government to donate 10,425 tons of maize to WFP for Malawi and another 10,000 tons to Lesotho and Swaziland. The government also plans to sell about 400,000 tons of excess maize to Zimbabwe, which is experiencing an inflation rate of 7,600%, high unemployment and chronic food shortages.

"Food is absolutely crucial to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and people affected by the pandemic are already starting to benefit from this latest donation by the Malawian government, and thousands more will now receive vital food assistance in the coming months," Dom Scalpelli, country director for WFP's Malawi office, said. An estimated 14% of Malawi's 12 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, and 240 people die daily of AIDS-related illnesses, Reuters Health reports (Reuters Health, 9/17).

"The contribution will ensure that tens of thousands of vulnerable Malawians continue to receive crucial food assistance until the end of 2007," Scalpelli said, adding that it will allow WFP to "meet the needs of all our nutrition and HIV/AIDS beneficiaries until the end of the year" (AFP/News24, 9/18).

Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

UN Has Over $40 Billion To Save The Lives Of Over 16 Million Women And Children

Over $40 billion have been committed so far to improve health services globally, as a huge drive to save the lives of more than 16 million women and children starts today, said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health was launched today at United Nation's headquarters during the summit on the Millennium Development Goals.


Mr Ban said:


The 21st century must be and will be different for every woman and every child.


The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a series of economic and social objectives for 2015, which also include some health aims:

Goal 4 aims to bring down the mortality rate for children up to the age of 5 by two-thirds.
Goal 5 aims to reduce maternal mortality rates by 75% compared to 1990.

In a press release the UN announced that the Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health's launch, which included foundations, international organizations, civil society groups, research groups and the private sector is a huge step towards filling the gap between what is needed and currently provided to protect women's and children's health worldwide. Over $40 billion has been committed over the next five years.


The Secretary-General noted:


We know what works to save women's and children's lives, and we know that women and children are critical to all of the MDGs. Today we are witnessing the kind of leadership we have long needed.


The Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health is expected to prevent the deaths of over 15 million children up to the age of five, as well as 33 million unwanted pregnancies, and the deaths of 740,000 women from pregnancy and childbirth complications between 2011 and 2015.


A team of organizations, including UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), and the World Bank have got together to try to make sure the project is successful. They will identify and connect resources to the most needy people, based on the priorities set by countries and their national health plans.


WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, said:


"The Global Strategy asks us to be smart, strategic and resourceful as never before. By integrating their actions, the eight international health-related agencies will strengthen capacities across the board, in ways that meet the comprehensive needs of women and children.


Source: United Nations


Written by

SEA Route Opened For WFP Relief Food Deliveries To Sri Lanka

A sea route to deliver United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) relief food to thousands of people in Sri Lanka was recently opened - a major boost to efforts underway to reach hungry people displaced by the recent escalation of hostilities in the region.


Yesterday, 40 metric tons of WFP food - enough to feed some 80,000 people for a day - was delivered by sea to the government-designated safe zone in the Vanni. Another ship is planned tomorrow.


"Now the challenge is to sustain this activity and ship sufficient quantities of food to meet the needs of tens of thousands caught in the conflict," said Adnan Khan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sri Lanka, adding that WFP's goal is to deliver up to 300 metric tons of food commodities per week by boat.


As most displaced persons are now concentrated in a new safe zone along the eastern coastline of Mullaitivu district, the sea route is an important alternative route to reach those in need. In mid-February, the Government of Sri Lanka shipped some 30 metric tons of food on a pilot basis, followed by two smaller 10 metric ton shiploads of WFP food sent aboard an ICRC flagged boat.

WFP food assistance is also meeting the needs of displaced persons in government-controlled areas in the Vanni. Since the fighting intensified in January this year, about 36,000 displaced persons have fled to government-controlled areas and are being accommodated in transit centres/welfare villages in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Mannar. WFP is supporting the 'communal cooking initiative' in these centres by providing a food basket consisting of dry rations. So far, 145 metric tons of mixed food commodities have been provided to 11 transit camps/welfare villages and WFP has also pre-positioned food in Vavuniya to meet emergency needs.

Since September 2008, WFP has been delivering food to the Vanni by road convoys, however the recent escalation in hostilities has made further road convoy movements difficult. The last road convoy went on 16 January.


WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed around 100 million people in 77 countries.


WFP

Roll Call Opinion Pieces Address Budgetary Issues Amid Hurricane Recovery Spending, USA

Two opinion pieces in Roll Call recently addressed health care budget cuts amid the spending from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Summaries appear below.Norman Ornstein: "Operation Offset," a proposal by the Republican Study Committee to help address the recovery costs of the hurricanes, "includes the one big-ticket item that could make a substantial difference in the short term: delaying the Medicare prescription drug program for a year," Ornstein, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, writes. In the proposal, conservative House Republicans "take on Medicare, although mostly by making retirees pay more," Ornstein writes, adding that "the kudos have to be diluted once one examines other offsets RSC recommends." According to Ornstein, the proposal calls for the elimination of the National Science Foundation's math and science education program, federal grants for wastewater infrastructure and reducing funds for waste disposal grants. In addition, the proposal calls for reducing funds for CDC, an "interesting idea to pursue" amid fears of avian flu and biological and biochemical attacks, Ornstein writes, adding that "CDC is our front line to help track their advance, ameliorate their impact and find vaccines to prevent their spread." He writes, "There is zero political will to take on the biggest of big-ticket items -- Social Security and Medicare" (Ornstein, Roll Call, 9/28).

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.): Medicaid is the "levee that protects against a lifetime of ill health" for Katrina evacuees and is a "lifeline for one in five residents of Louisiana and Mississippi," Kennedy writes, adding that Medicaid, state Children's Health Insurance Programs and other public programs are "now more essential than ever." He added, "[W]e should clearly be expanding Medicaid to meet the needs of hurricane survivors and low-income fellow citizens across the country," instead of enacting cuts the Bush administration proposed in the spring. According to Kennedy, hurricane evacuees should get more help from Medicaid, with "full federal payment for the costs of providing needed medical care." He concluded, "Now is the time for Congress to make an unambiguous commitment, not simply by delaying the proposed cuts in Medicaid, but by canceling them altogether" (Kennedy, Roll Call, 9/23).


"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

Targeted Solutions Awarded TA Matching Fund Grant, Children And Youth Non-profits Eligible To Apply

Targeted Solutions, the consulting arm of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), was recently awarded the Technical Assistance (TA) Matching Fund grant through the William Penn Foundation. The TA Matching Fund grant supports consulting and capacity-building projects for eligible non-profit organizations.


Through Targeted Solutions' TA Matching Fund, non-profit agencies can access a variety of low-cost capacity building services from web site development and strategic communications plans to outcomes measurement and service delivery assessments.


Targeted Solutions uses consulting teams that draw on the diverse experiences and skills of PHMC staff. Experienced, interdisciplinary consultants analyze a client organization's operations, provide financially and operationally feasible solutions, and offer assistance to ensure successful implementation of those solutions.


Non-profit organizations in Philadelphia and the surrounding region providing services to children and youth are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Targeted Solutions' TA Matching Fund. The selection process is on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the availability of funds. Unlike typical dollar for dollar matching fund programs, Targeted Solutions' TA Matching Fund clients will pay a percentage of the overall costs based on agency finances and the scope of the project.


To apply for the TA Matching Fund, please click here.



About Targeted Solutions



Targeted Solutions, the consulting arm of Public Health Management Corporation, helps non-profit organizations in the region address many of the challenges of today's changing health and human services environment. From improving communications with funders and donors to solving mission-critical initiatives and increasing operating efficiencies, PHMC's Targeted Solutions offerings bring practical, strategic, proactive consulting services and products tailored to meet the needs of client organizations. To learn more about Targeted Solutions, visit: phmc/TS.



About PHMC



The Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that builds healthier communities through partnerships with government, foundations, business and other community-based organizations. It fulfills its mission to improve the health of the community by providing outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services. Formerly the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, PHMC has served the Greater Philadelphia region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit phmc.



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Public Health Management Corporation

Immunization Requirements Relaxed for Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) late today announced that normal immunization requirements for attending school or child-care facilities in Texas are being temporarily waived for children displaced by Hurricane Katrina.


Students who will be staying with family members, friends or others in Texas will be given a 30-day provisional enrollment. DSHS officials said the department could extend the provisional enrollment period depending on hurricane recovery progress in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.


Normally, students moving to Texas from other states are required to show proof of required immunizations before they are allowed to attend school.


A special form allowing the 30-day provisional enrollment will be available from the schools and child-care facilities.


Texas Dept of State Health Services

American Academy Of Ophthalmology Sends Supplies To Haitian Colleagues

The American Academy of Ophthalmology's (Academy) Task Force on Haiti Recovery, in cooperation with the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), is coordinating donation and distribution of ophthalmic equipment and supplies to Haitian ophthalmologists, including several exam lanes (complete sets of the equipment needed to provide a thorough eye exam)*, thousands of doses of pharmaceuticals, surgical supplies, educational materials and much more. View a complete list of all in-kind donations as a result of the efforts of the task force.


This outpouring of support by the international ophthalmic community came in response to the Academy's initial campaign to provide five portable eye units to Haiti. In total, the campaign solicited in-kind donations valued at over one half million U.S. dollars.


To facilitate donations, the task force worked closely with PAAO and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Haitian ophthalmic leadership-the Haitian Society of Ophthalmology and the University of Haiti Eye Hospital-is collaborating with the Academy on distribution of the eye units and other materials.


"As a result of the earthquake, many of our colleagues were left without the equipment and structure they needed to provide quality patient care," said David W. Parke II, MD, the Academy's executive vice president and CEO." I am proud of the ophthalmic community's overwhelming response in this time of great need and of the Academy's role in the collaborative effort to rebuild Haiti's eye care system."


Haitian ophthalmologists told of practices destroyed, shortages of supplies and equipment, and increased demand for ophthalmic care. The Academy's Task Force on Haiti Recovery was created to respond to the urgent and ongoing need for quality eye care in Haiti and to coordinate ophthalmic recovery efforts.


"We are extremely satisfied with our partnership and look forward to continued productivity and collaboration throughout our joint efforts yet to come," said Frantz Large, MD, president of the Haitian Society of Ophthalmology.


"The Academy's efforts have been consistent since the disaster," said Michael W. Brennan, MD, chair of the Task Force on the Haiti Recovery. "From the immediate response and evaluation of needs to the subsequent facilitation and solicitation of supplies, we are proud to have been able to aid our colleagues in this trying time."


In addition to the portable eye unit campaign, the Foundation of the Academy established a Disaster Relief Fund to provide ophthalmic resources and facilitate much-needed patient care. All of the funds collected will be used for Haitian recovery efforts.


*A complete lane includes an exam chair; a slit lamp, to magnify the eye; a tonometer, to test the pressure inside of the eye; a projector, to check vision; a phoropter, to determine vision correction prescriptions; and an indirect ophthalmoscope, for examination of the retina at the back of the eye.


Source:

American Academy of Ophthalmology