MAP International Sends Additional Medicines For El Salvador Earthquake

MAP International
Tuesday, 23 January 2001

Brunswick, GA, January 23, 2001 Christian relief and development agency, MAP International, is sending an additional shipment of 2,000 pounds in medicines and medical supplies to the 574,000 people affected by the January 13 quake. The shipment will be sent overland to Miami then by air to San Salvador for distribution by the faculty of the Medical University of San Salvador. Medical assistance includes antibiotics, painkillers, oral rehydration, and surgical supplies, and nutrient rich liquid supplement for adults, and infant formula.

Over 60,000 people are housed in temporary shelter and are at risk for diseases such as dehydration, diarrhea and malnutrition. MAP's representative in El Salvador, Luz Stella Losada, has been on site since the early days of this crisis to assess the needs of the people there. "Because of the living conditions of the Salvadorian victims of the recent earthquake, we are facing the beginning of a serious health crisis," reports Losada, "Around 4500 persons are concentrated on the Cafetalon refuge area alone and are living in tents. Most of them constructed with plastic bags and sheets."

MAP's first phase response to this crisis represents a portion of the over 25 tones of requested and appropriate medicines and medical supplies. Phase two will follow in the coming weeks and months with shipments to restock hospitals and clinics as a part of the reconstruction process.

MAP International, founded in 1954, is a non-profit, Christian global relief and development agency dedicated to providing medicines, medical supplies and community based health-training programs, including HIV/AIDS prevention, to the poor in over 100 countries. MAP is supported by donations from individuals, foundations and churches. Forbes Magazine has named MAP one of the nation's 100 most prominent charities, with an efficiency rating of 99%. For every $1 donated, MAP provides $15 in donated medicines and medical supplies.

For more information, or to contact MAP International, see their website at: www.map.org