One-year after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, International Medical Corps‘ teams are still on the ground delivering critical health care and training services to help communities return to self-reliance.
Nutrition
International Medical Corps is working in four municipalities to implement programs that manage and treat acute malnutrition, as well as promote infant and young child feeding. International Medical Corps teams have screened over 49, 800 children for acute malnutrition, in addition to distributing supplemental foods and establishing in- and out-patient treatment centers. We also trained over 600 local medical professionals on screening children under 5 for malnutrition.
Health & Capacity Strengthening
In the Philippines and around the world, International Medical Corps is working to strengthen the capacity of local health staff to respond to the medical needs of their own communities. We implemented trainings in 7 municipalities on prevention of disease outbreaks and promotion of reproductive and maternal health. International Medical Corps trained 345 health care workers on these topics. We also trained 11 people on SPEED (Surveillance in Post Emergency and Extreme Disasters). International Medical Corps rehabilitated and repaired 21 health facilities that were severely damaged by the storm. In addition, we provided medicines and replaced medical equipment and supplies that were lost or destroyed in the typhoon.
Mental Health
As one of the few organizations to prioritize mental health, International Medical Corps has implemented psychosocial support services and enhanced the capacity of national staff in the Philippines through training and education. The program includes sensitization training to develop improved local response systems in order to help care for individuals with mental illness.
WASH
The typhoon caused large-scale damage to local water and sanitation infrastructure, which in turn threatened the health status of vulnerable communities – particularly children. Schools were especially affected and lack of adequate WASH facilities puts students at risk of communicable diseases. To respond to this need, International Medical Corps rehabilitated damaged toilets and hand-washing systems at 51 schools and continues work in 44 others. In addition, International Medical Corps hygiene promoters have provided trainings in 130 schools to 1,041 teachers. They trained 322 students and 124 teachers as hygiene champions to train others.