Three Diseases Fund

Nineteen Implementing Partners of the Three Diseases Fund (3DF), drawn from NGOs and UN agencies, were either working before the cyclone or are currently providing relief aid with their own funds in the five affected States and Divisions. Among those partners, MSF-Holland, PSI, CESVI, Merlin, Save the Children, Malteser participated in the early hours of the emergency response; see the attached map for the health sector (courtesy of Myanmar Information Management Unit) and the latest news on Reliefweb. Launched in Singapore and Yangon on 21 July 2008, a detailed report of the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment was prepared by the Tripartite Core Group comprised of representatives of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations with the support of the Humanitarian and Development Community. This document provides the first comprehensive picture and analysis of the devastating impact on the people in the Ayeyarwady Delta and Yangon affected by the cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar on 02 and 03 May and killed over 84,530 people with a further 53,836 still reported missing.

The Fund is working with the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA), PGK, Alliance, AMI, Save the Children/Consortium for HIV and AFXB about additional funding for Nargis related work. On the request of IOM, US$62,000 of unspent funds were immediately released for an emergency health assessment in Mon State and Ayeyarwady Division.

A public health officer of the Fund Management office was deployed to Laputta to support the relief operation and collect information, especially on unmet needs where 3DF could intervene.

In addition, the Fund Manager/UNOPS participates in UN Country Team coordination and government briefings, Health cluster, specific HIV and AIDS meetings, as well as provides support to the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) in public information, to stay abreast on the recent developments in the relief response.

WHO supports the National Blood Centre and advocates for blood donation. More blood is needed in the affected areas, together with rapid test kits for blood safety.

MSF-Holland has provided with its own funds 10,000 Kyat (US$10) per registered HIV patient plus one week of food package. An assessment of the situation of registered HIV patients (around 8000) will be undertaken the soonest.

PSI has immediately released the equivalent of US$100 cash grants to 400+ peer workers in Yangon, Pathein, Bago and Hinthada, with additional food support and access to clean water.

Picture (courtesy of Kathy Shein): private donations provided by AFXB in Ayeyarwady Division