CHINA EARTHQUAKE: Water and Sanitation URGENT
Oxfam International Press Release
18 May 2008
Oxfam Hong Kong is concentrating on water and sanitation in Sichuan: securing an adequate supply of drinking water for survivors, safely disposing of faeces, and carrying out health education to prevent an epidemic.
"Oxfam is teaming up with medical and hygiene professionals in Sichuan, working in various areas in and around the city of Mianyang to prevent any epidemic from starting," says Director General of Oxfam Hong Kong, John Sayer . "Counselling services are also underway for survivors and their families."
Health-related supplies already sourced by Oxfam include portable toilets, drinking water, medicine, intestinal drugs, first aid supplies, face masks, and sanitary supplies for women. Hygiene information leaflets are being prepared for distribution to survivors. Other Oxfam aid includes tents, blankets, clothing, milk and high-energy biscuits. Oxfam's priority is to assist women and children.
Oxfam Hong Kong, with twenty years of experience working in Mainland China , has five relief teams in Sichuan and Gansu , working alongside several government units, mainland-based NGOs, and community groups.
As of today (18 May), Oxfam estimates it has received about HK$20 million (about USD2.5 million) in donations, including donations from its Oxfam Rice Sale fundraiser. The agency appeals for more donations, as this disaster is the largest earthquake
in China for over 30 years. Rehabilitation and development efforts will take months, if not years.
OXFAM IN MAINLAND CHINA: Oxfam Hong Kong has been working in Mainland China since 1987. In the 2006-07 financial year, Oxfam allocated over HK$68 million (over USD8.7 million) on development and emergency projects there, working alongside about 140 local partner organisations. Every year, on average, the agency allocates about HK$8 million (USD 1m ) on emergency/ disaster management projects in Mainland China .
Contact:
Lum Kwok Choi +852 31205285 / +852 90985887, kwokchoi [at] oxfam.org.hk
Keith WONG +852 3120 5281 / +852 94262764, keithw [at] oxfam.org.hk
ROI: Paul Dunphy, Media and Communications Executive, 01 635 0422, paul.dunphy [at] oxfamireland.org
NI: Phillip Graham, Media and Communications Officer, 028 9089 5959, phillip.graham [at] oxfamireland.org
Oxfam Ireland is an independent member of Oxfam International- a group of thirteen non-governmental agencies dedicated to fighting poverty and related injustice around the world.
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